Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction .

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Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], R. V. Kelsey Snare Drum, c.1941-1943, Artifact-030, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The collection was acquired by Special Collection and University Archives in July 2016.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the R. V. Kelsey Snare Drum was completed in June 2025.

Biographical Note

Robert Vane Kelsey attended V.P.I. from 1941-1943 and majored in Buisness Administration. He was born on September 4th, 1921 and passed on October 1st, 1994. Kelsey was a part of the U.S. Army Air Force and was a Lieutenant. He was orginally from Courtland, Alabama. His name can be seen on the War Memorial at Virginia Tech.

Sources:

"Robert Vane Kelsey in the U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947" Ancestry. Accessed June 16 2015. https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/2238/records/10841563?tid=&pid=&queryId=4850423f-ffcc-4b6f-a57e-9713ae8e5b87&_phsrc=tmE3&_phstart=successSource&_gl=1*sb9g67*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTc3NDEzOTA0Ny4xNzUwMDc5NDAx*_ga_LMK6K2LSJH*czE2ZDg3MTQ2LTNkNTktNGFlYy1iOWVmLTg0MGUxMzE3YzU1MiRvMSRnMCR0MTc1MDA3OTQwMSRqNjAkbDAkaDA.*_ga_4QT8FMEX30*czE2ZDg3MTQ2LTNkNTktNGFlYy1iOWVmLTg0MGUxMzE3YzU1MiRvMSRnMSR0MTc1MDA3OTQwNiRqNTUkbDAkaDA.

"Lieut Robert Vane Kelsey" Find A Grave. Accessed June 16 2025. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49281450/robert-vane-kelsey

Scope and Content

The snare drum is brown in color and made of wood and metal. Around the base of the snare drum is a light brown band that is about one inch thick, with a smaller cream colored band above it. The body of the drum is a darker stained wood. The top of the drum has the same bands as the bottom, a one inch light brown band and a smaller cream band. There are ten metal rods that are vertical around the drum, with fasteners at the top. On the side of the drum is a logo that reads "Ludwig TRADEMARK MADE IN THE U.S.A." Below the logo is a small hole that allows you to see into the snare drum. Below this is a metal attachtment with a screw, as well as multiple small cords that go through the light brown base of the drum. On the other side of the drum these cords exit and hang freely. On the underside of the drum is a cream color and the cords running through. The top of the snare drum is a cream and grey color with a logo that reads "REMO fiberskyn 2 MEDIUM MADE IN U.S.A PAT. PEND." Along the top band of light brown is a small metal D ring. The condition is fair. Some discoloration of the wood, chipping and peeling, and rust on the metal parts of the snare drum.

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the R. V. Kelsey Snare Drum by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).