Object

Drum

Date:	c. 1770
Dimensions:	16" high x 14 1/2" wide

About this artifact

The most important military musical instrument of the 18th century was the snare drum. It not only provided candence, but also transmitted the basic orders to troops in camp and on the battlefield with specific beating which the soldier was trained to recognize. The drums were fashioned from wood with skin heads, catgut snares, and ropes for tension that required leather pull-down "lugs" to help tighten the heads. When marching, the common step was about 75 per minute.(Modern marching cadence is 128 steps per minute.)