Navy Band Ceremonial Drums

A gift from the Commonwealth and States

The Ceremonial Silver Drums were commissioned by the Commonwealth and States of Australia to mark the 50th Anniversary of the proclamation of the title 'Royal Australian Navy'. The drums are kept on display in the Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre.

The set consists of eight side drums, two tenor drums and one bass drum. Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania each presented one side drum. New South Wales and Victoria each presented one tenor drum, while the Commonwealth and Territories presented the remaining four side drums and the bass drum. Each drum is emblazoned with the Royal Cipher and the Royal Australian Navy Badge. Four of the side drums and the two tenor drums are emblazoned with the State Badge, while the remaining four side drums and bass drum have the Commonwealth Coat of Arms.

The side drum sticks are made of Queensland Black Bean and are fitted with two-inch Sterling Silver leaf chased ferrules.