While side (snare) drums were part of the military "field music" and used regularly in the army at the company and battalion level, the much larger bass drum had a very different traditional usage. The bass drum was typically paired with cymbals and other instruments at the regimental level in a military band. This example dates to the Civil War period and exhibits a wood shell, one piece bent around and glued with reddish-brown varnish applied. Painting around the vent hole consisting of a faded floral design bordered by a row of large brass tacks on either side. Rope tension with leather tugs and calfskin heads. Wood rims painted red. Rope appears to be original as well as the paint and finish. Iron ink writing visible through the peep hole reads: "INCREASE BLAKE/DRUM MANUFACTURER/FARMINGTON FALLS/ME”. Blake was known to make drums through the 1840s in his small shop. Many of his drums were in use by the militia of the day and several were pressed in to service during the Civil War. As a result of the times and his being a small maker of drums, it makes sense to speculate that up to and including the Civil War, the units carrying his drums would be Maine units. CONDITION: Very Good.