Vintage Gretsch 14” 8-Hole Die-Cast Stick Chopper Snare Hoops — Matched Batter & Resonant Pair

Offered for sale is a matching pair of vintage Gretsch-style die-cast stick-chopper snare drum hoops, believed to date from approximately the 1940s–early 1950s.

These are the early, heavy, low-profile cast hoops associated with vintage Gretsch Broadkaster and Round Badge snare drums.

The pair includes one batter-side hoop and one snare-side hoop featuring the distinctive opposing, formed snare gates characteristic of early Gretsch construction.

Specifications:

• Diameter: 14”
• Configuration: 8-hole
• Construction: Heavy, nonmagnetic die-cast metal
• Batter hoop weight: 640 grams
• Snare-side hoop weight: 622 grams
• Overall height: Approximately 1”
• Traditional rounded stick-chopper profile
• Original-style scalloped tension rod mounting ears
• No manufacturer markings or logos

Construction Details:

Both hoops feature matching casting profiles and distinctive raised tooling marks. The marks occur in opposing pairs, with identical spacing on both hoops.

Fine diagonal machining marks are also visible along portions of the interior surfaces.

The snare-side hoop features the early-style formed snare gates rather than the more modern circular cutout design.

Condition:

Original vintage condition with substantial cosmetic wear, oxidation, discoloration, and deterioration of the original finish.

Both hoops exhibit minor unevenness when placed on a flat surface, approximately 1/16” of lift during inspection.

The tension rod holes are intact, with no observed cracking around the mounting holes.

The hoops have not been refinished, replated, or aggressively polished. They retain their aged appearance.

Please examine all photographs carefully.

Identification:

These hoops closely resemble early Gretsch die-cast examples documented on prewar and early postwar snare drums. Exact manufacturing date and original drum are unknown.

An interesting matched pair for a vintage Gretsch restoration, collector, or enthusiast seeking early stick-chopper hardware.

Sold together as a pair.