beezaboy - Posted - 12/09/2013:  14:04:42

Gretsch introduced its Broadkaster banjo line in late 1928.

The Broadkaster line was somewhat unique.  The banjos in the line were made with an alloy rim-flange made of "nickle-bronze" according to advertisements.  Gretsch used the alloy rim for many years (1928 - ca 1952 excluding war years).

The rims have a maker or foundry mark.  I don't know the proper name for these marks.

How can I go about identifying the foundry(s) that made the Gretsch Broadkaster rims by using the marks on the rim?

Is there a book or other resource that I can use?

Attached are some pictures of the marks I'm talking about.

Foundry Mark Gretsch Nickle-Bronze Rim

Foundry Mark Gretsch Nickle-Bronze Rim

Foundry Mark Gretsch Nickle-Bronze Rim

The Old Timer - Posted - 12/09/2013:  16:44:41

I'm fairly confident the middle one is Doeller, the same outfit that made Gibson's one piece flange. Sure looks like it! Gibsons normally did not include the word Doeller, only the mark, however.

Doeller's main business, according to Joe Spann's book, was making cast hood ornaments for 1920s and 1930s automobiles.

TLG - Posted - 12/10/2013:  06:59:15

I have a couple of these, one has the "A" mark but also with a oval at the neck notch I am trying to figure what it is.
I'll be back

Tommy

beezaboy - Posted - 12/11/2013:  17:13:21

Thank you Old Timer.  I went to Spann's book like you said then checked the internet.  Attached is a Doehler mark from an ashtray.  Looks like the "Zinc" mark to me too.  According to the internet, Doehler was in some other cities than Brooklyn and there even is a book about Doehler Die Casting Co. and Mr. Doehler had some other company names   A very good start to my search.  Appreciate it.

Doehler

TLG - Posted - 12/11/2013:  18:19:00

My Gretsch rim has the "A" & at the neck is " US PAT 319648 & that's all the markings

Tom

beezaboy - Posted - 12/11/2013:  18:27:09

Okay.  I've got the middle one.  It is: Doler-Zinc.  They made a lot of Lionel train parts is where you see the company on Google the most.  I don't know how this company got the Doehler mark unless the original Mr. Doehler dropped the "e" and "h" from his name for this company.  More research needed.  See attached from mark on Lionel train part.  Furthermore, I think the Doleer-Zinc rims are post war.  More research needed.

I'll say another thing - I do not think the Doler-Zink alloy is as stable or substantial as the earlier Gretsch die cast rims so if you've got a Gretsch Broadkaster or New Yorker with the Doler-Zinc mark I recommend that you treat it gently.

Doler-Zinc