The Royal Marines Band Service On-line Community

anastasia · On audition Joined: 30 Jul 2007 Posts: 2

my husband is a huge fan of the RM Band and I'm trying to get him a RM side drum as a present for his birthday - I've found one at a militaria store however it is black in colour and the ones currently used are blue and red - does anyone know when the band used black side drums? (also the emblazon has been hand painted on the front of the drum)

Many thanks

admin · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 1:39 pm Post subject:

Ours certainly aren't hand painted! MOD Disposal Agency sell our old ones at auction but as they are our old ones they will not be in servicable condition.
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anastasia · On audition Joined: 30 Jul 2007 Posts: 2

Do you know if the band ever used black side drums at all - I don't want to buy something that isn't the real deal!?!?

admin · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 9:32 am Post subject:

How old is the drum? If it is a modern drum it wouldn't be black... we have one here that is pre 1967 and that is not black, it is red like they are now.
The modern drums look like this:

As you can see, they are red on the back.
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Jimbo · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 9:34 am Post subject:

No the Royal marines have never had black side drums.

the crest is placed on a navy blue background and the back of the drum is a maroon/crimson 'ish red colour.

the crest should span over three of the panels around the front of the drums and the red colour will cover the rest.
Hope this helps

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seasoldier · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2007 11:32 am Post subject:

Hi Anastasia,

I'm new to this particular Forum .. but am ex Corps ... (Cabbage-Head) ...

I wonder if the Drum you describe could be from a Royal Navy "Blue-jacket" Band ?

I only mention this as my Mum has in her possession a side Drum,emblazoned for HMS Royal Arthur,a WWII RN Training Establishment .. (later to become Butlin's at Skegness) .. the Drum belonged to my late Dad,who was in the Corps during WWII,though not in the Band Service ..

That Drum is actually painted a very dark blue (almost black) & the Drum emblazon is hand painted .. on a brass shell,which is visible at the rear .. the Drum has a natural pigskin head & is rope-tensioned ..

Hope this helps,

Cheers,

Kev.
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sticky blue · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2007 12:50 pm Post subject:

Psssst. Seasoldier, how about an introduction of who you are

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