For your viewing pleasure is this wonderful 13" Zildjian Istanbul Old Stamp IIa K cymbal from the personal collection of legendary big band/swing/jazz drummer Barrett Deems. It dates to the 1945-49 productions era, and is in great shape for its age. We have owned quite a few pieces from Barrett's personal collection, including several of his cymbals. He was known to mark them with his personal notes in black marker, as can be seen on this cymbal. The top notes can easily be read, "Barrett Deems", "13", "Thin", "K",. Aside from the original factory signature still present on the bottom, Barrett wrote "GOOD", "13" (2 times), "TOP", & "EJ". Being that Barrett was an avid gear hound and collector, as well as a friend and contemporary of Elvin Jones, the "E.J." on the cymbal could have very well been to remind him who he got it from.
Maybe you are one of those folks that these names and associations doesn't mean much to. If that's the case, know that this is an amazing and rare hand crafted, hand hammered master piece. It works wonderfully as a crash/splash, or as a top hat in a hi-hat pair. It weighs in a svelte 466g and has a magical deep, low crash for its size. The cymbal is in good condition with no fleabites, or key hole. There is a small dip near the edge from where the Zildjian stamp was applied at the factory. The cymbal is so thin you can read the stamp from the bottom side. Like many of these old thin Ks, there are some hairline fissures at the hole. They have remained stable during our ownership, and there's no reason the cymbal cannot be played with finesse for another 70 years. Enjoy!
Size: 13 & 1/16"
Weight: 466g
*All orders will require a signature at time of delivery unless discussed prior to purchase.
