Original Item: One-of-a-Kind:  This is an absolutely stunning example of a Civil War Snare Drum manufactured by the firm of Klemm & Brother of Philadelphia. From the label used on the interior of the drum, we can ascertain that the drum was manufactured between 1858 and 1879, during the period when Klemm & Brother was located at 705 Market Street, Philadelphia. From the design of the patriotic motif, we are confident that this is a Civil War drum, and not a later manufacture.

The drum is 14½” tall and roughly 17” in diameter. It retains its original ropes, some of which show heavy fraying. The leather rope tighteners are all period, but some of these are either loose or missing some material. The tackwork on the one side of the drum is tremendous. The patriotic motif featuring flags, a shield, a drum, and a cannon is really gorgeous, and is still well-retained, with some areas of minor loss. 

The drum’s bottom skin is unfortunately heavily broken open, which does make it much easier to make out the maker’s label inside. The label reads:

FROM
KLEMM & BROTHER
Importers, Manufacturers and Wholesale Dealers in
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, STRINGS, &c.
No. 705 Market Street,
PHILADELPHIA.

Despite the damage to the bottom skin, the top skin still looks great, and the drum will still look correct and undamaged for display. A glorious example of a Civil War drum by a well-known Philadelphia maker, ready for further research and display!

Klemm & Brother

The firm of Klemm and Brothers had a long-standing history as a music store and dealer in musical instruments in Philadelphia.  The Klemm family were German Moravians and had been long established in East Prussia as musical instrument makers prior to their arrival in the United States sometime before 1816.  In 1819, Frederick A. and Johann G. Klemm opened up a music store at 1 North 4th Street in Philadelphia.  The firm continued in business at various address’s for almost 80 years. 

Frederick A. Klemm came to Philadelphia in 1811 and filed immigration papers on 24 September 1816. John G. Klemm came over in 1819 and filed immigration papers on 7 June 1824.  An advertisement placed in the Philadelphia Gazette 14 May 1823 stated: J.G. Klemm of the late firm of Klemm & Bros. reopened a store…musical instruments, etc. from the manufactory of G. and A. Klemm in Germany…having purchased from Messrs, Bacon, and Hart their entire stock of music plates, he intends carrying on…printing and publishing music.  In 1837, F. A. Klemm is listed in the directories at 3 City Row, separate from Klemm & Bros. Also, in 1864, a George M. Klemm is listed at 124 N. 13.  This name does not appear in the directories again.