Vintage Corner: Ludwig practice pad, 1930s-40s?

This came to me in very good condition this week.

The catalog pdfs at DrumArchive.com reveled nothing that could help me determine age or whether this was factory-built. The platform probably came from a factory, as the classic design and appearance have been seen on other pads from the 1930s and 40s. Several models of Ludwig pads came with bright red paint and a metal badge just like this one. However, this pad was probably made during the decades-long split between  Ludwig, owned by Conn, and WFL, which William F. Ludwig Sr. created when he parted ways with Conn. My only educated guesses are based on comparing type font of different eras, and from looking closely at construction and decoration, which will hopefully get better as I research more pads.

It consists of a traditional slanted wooden platform, topped with a round piece that appears to be calfskin wrapped around some kind of reinforcing rim and stuffed with padding.

Based on earlier research, I’m guessing that the top part of this pad may have originally been part of a more portable knee-top pad with a bolt that allowed it to be transferred to a more stationary platform.

The pad is in amazing, playable shape. I’m inclined not to play it often, but with smaller 5A sticks it feels and sounds great. 

I’ll continue to research in order to determine the pad’s design origins and age. Happy chopping!