"See drummers with the fifers come
And the beater with the massive drum
The grand-drum major first doth stalk
With gold-knobbed stick and pompous walk
And as he marches o'er the ground
He thinks he turns the world around"

Quotation from 1748

Drum Major
With kind permission from Captain David B. Rennie CD, Ceremonial Guard. Canadian Armed Forces.
Some may argue that nothing has changed. What is beyond doubt is that Dalman & Narborough have been making Drum Major’s staffs for over 130 years. Over the years, this family-owned company has been producing Drum Major’s staffs for all the various marching band formations, from Military Bands to Corps of Drums, from Pipes and Drums to American style Drum Corps as well as Youth Bands, Kazoo Bands and Jazz Bands – even accordion playing marching bands. Their staffs have been carried by not only the finest drum majors of bands in the United Kingdom, but throughout the world.

Many staffs are specially designed and made to order only, but standard models have also been developed to satisfy the majority of requirements.

The Military Model (No.1)

Brass spun and planished regulation head with domed top, surmounted by a modelled St. Edward Crown, a title band that may be engraved if required, trumpet shaped base fitted with the traditional coronet of acanthus leaves below. Selected best quality Malacca cane, plaited chain and long ferrule, brass shod. All metal parts gold or silver-plated, to choice.

The Cadet Model (No.3)

Brass spun and planished ball shaped head with extended long collar, fitted best quality Malacca cane, ferrule brass shod. All metal parts chrome plated.

The Junior Model (No.4)

Brass spun and polished ball-shaped head with short collar, fitted best quality Malacca cane, ferrule brass shod. All metal parts chrome plated.

The Bell Model (No.5)

Brass spun and planished bell shaped head with extended body, slightly domed cap, fitted best quality Malacca cane, ferrule brass shod. All metal parts chrome plated.

The Plain Model (No.6)

Brass spun and planished head with a lower domed top. Selected best quality Malacca cane, ferrule brass shod.

The Plain Model (No.7)

Brass spun and planished head with a lower domed top surmounted by an Eagle. Selected best quality Malacca cane, ferrule brass shod. All metal parts chrome plated.

The Practise Model (No.8)

Brass spun and planished ball shaped head, matt finish hardwood cane, metal ferrule brass shod.

Overall length 56” (similar weight to other models).

Band Identity

Unit or Band Titles can be engraved and the addition of badges, devices and battle honours where appropriate can be applied.

Presentation Models

Drum Major’s staffs can be specially made to order in sterling silver, appropriately hallmarked and decorated with band and donor’s crests, engraved presentation inscriptions. As actual makers, Dalman & Narborough can provide a unique and complete service.