Origin of the Ludwig keystone badge

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lossforgain

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Perhaps this is well-known history that I just haven't had the occasion to hear or read, but does anyone know why did Ludwig (WFL) started using the keystone shape for their badges? The discussion in General about the transition from keystone to blue/olive got me thinking. I looked up a timeline on Vintage Drum Guide and it shows a 1937 WFL badge as the first example of the keystone shape. I don't have The Ludwig Book to see what it says, or to check the accuracy of the VDG site. I know the company was based in Chicago, and I have no idea if the keystone has some significance related to that. I live in Pennsylvania (the Keystone State) and am surrounded by the shape here. What do you experts know about this?
 
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It was the shape of the logo on WFL's favorite motor oil.
 
JazzDrumGuy said:
I think we have to go back to WFL. Not the definitive answer, but an interesting historical discussion on DFO by our own Bun C., MLayton and K.O., et al.:

http://www.drumforum.org/threads/ludwig-ludwig-badge.113040/
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Thanks for that link JDG, although it didn't really say where the keystone came from.

K.O. said:
I believe that is correct. I forget the brand but that is what Bill Jr. Said in his book.
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That's what I was wanting to know about! It would be cool if that keystone on the motor oil came from PA! Anyone have the book?
 
I’d guess it has to do with the symbolic meaning of architecture it’s the last wedge shape stone at the top of an arch or arc that holds everything together.
Mic drop
 
I 've heard it's an adaptation of masonic heraldry .
jptrickster said:
I’d guess it has to do with the symbolic meaning of architecture it’s the last wedge shape stone at the top of an arch or arc that holds everything together.
Mic drop
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Masonic heraldry ?
 
s-l500.jpg
lossforgain said:
Thanks for that link JDG, although it didn't really say where the keystone came from.



That's what I was wanting to know about! It would be cool if that keystone on the motor oil came from PA! Anyone have the book?
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I have the book but I don't think Bill Jr. ever said what brand it was. A lot of the early oil industry was based in Pennsylvania so Ludwig's keystone imagery does originate from that, but was one step removed through an oil company's advertising. I know I've seen vintage oil ads with that logo.

Don't forget that the Keystone badge was the logo for WFL drums and didn't become a Ludwig thing until 1958-59 when they finally adopted the Ludwig name for the drum line (after buying the name back from Conn in 1955) for their line of drums. The first full Ludwig keystone badge was the "transition badge" used from approx. late 1958-late 1960.

I'll see if I can dig out my copy of WFL II's book and see exactly what it says.
 
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K.O. said:
View attachment 385132

I have the book but I don't think Bill Jr. ever said what brand it was. A lot of the early oil industry was based in Pennsylvania so Ludwig's keystone imagery does originate from that, but was one step removed through an oil company's advertising. I know I've seen vintage oil ads with that logo.

Don't forget that the Keystone badge was the logo for WFL drums and didn't become a Ludwig thing until 1958-59 when they finally adopted the Ludwig name for the drum line (after buying the name back from Conn in 1955) for their line of drums. The first full Ludwig keystone badge was the "transition badge" used from approx. late 1958-late 1960.

I'll see if I can dig out my copy of WFL II's book and see exactly what it says.
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Awesome Kevin, thanks for that photo and comment! That's the info I was looking for. I knew that WFL was where the badge shape began, but saying it wasn't a Ludwig thing isn't strictly true, since WFL was THE Ludwig family (Bill Jr) -- I know you're just making a distinction between who owned the shape when, but it's a close enough relationship to follow down through the years that it answers my original question.
 
You guys know way too much. never cease to amaze me.
Wayne
 
One of the reasons I heard that WFL senior went with the keystone badge(other than what has already been mentioned about the motor oil) is that most of the big companies were using some sort of oval or something circular and he wanted to completely stand out from everyone else. WFL senior was just amazing in his thought about things and it still amazes me when I think of all the features of a current Ludwig drum that tie back directly to WFL seniors mind. he was a heck of an inventor!
 
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