Drummer Cafe Community Forum

I've seen quite a few variations in the number of lugs for various 1920's black beauty's.  What number of lugs do collectors usually look for?  I've now seen 6, 8, and 10 lug versions and am wondering which is considered the most drool worthy.

Sorry, I'm not an expert, although I think 8 lugs are reasonably common, 10 being less so.
But please, don't consider the 1920's Black Beauty a 'droolworthy' collectors drum.
I have one and it's the ultimate recording snare drum. There's no sound it can't achieve, no role it can't rise to.
If you own one, or ever get the chance to own one, realise you have in your hands one of the greatest 'player' drums ever produced.........not a 'collectable' to add to a museum collection.

I'll drool on it as I play it!  :P

Defintely agreed....it will absolutely not be a museum peace, in fact, it's primary use would be for recording (as is most of my gear)..but I would have to drive 4.5 hours to try it out, inspect it, etc.  Given the price, it is a bit of an investment, and my expectation is that this snare needs to pass multple criteria (sound, aesthetic, and collectors point of view), to even be considered.

There are a few vintage drum forums you could browse.

Mine is 8 lug....and is a KILLER drum. How can I emphasise this?  ;D
I'm guessing (purely guessing) a ten lugger might be more rare.
I would go on playing condition and sound though. It may be that an 8 lug snare is easier to use than a 10.
Also depth.
Mine is 5" I think, which is shallow, but the snare still slays everyone who records it.
6.5" is more unusual and I think would be VERY collectable!
The 6.5" is the ultimate. Anything 5" or 5.5" would be great for recording. I would say think hard before buying anything shallower.
Also, please don't get hung up on the museum, collector side of things.
These drums are highly regarded by studio drummers and record producers. Don't walk away because it doesn't have original snare wires, is a bit dirty, or has a few scratches and small dents. These factors might effect the price you pay, but ultimately it's the sound that's going to pay you back. A savings account or stock market shares have a better return than vintage drums.

The ones on musicians friend (obviously not from 1920) are 10 luggers from the look of it

The modern ones are virtually a different drum.

For better or for worse? If I wanted to get one, what year would you recommend?

Actually, just different (cliche I know).
The 70's Black Beaty's are a truly great all round drum, especially for recording. They have all the nice tonal qualities of the Supraphonic, but with some added warmth.
I'd say (at least in my opinion) they are like a slightly fatter, warmer Supraphonic.
I would recommend the 6.5" depth.
I haven't played a recent BB, 1990's to current. I have played a 90's Supraphonic and it performed very well, arguably as nice sounding as a vintage one. Perhaps the newer BB's are the same, I couldn't say.
FWIW, I never gig my 1920's BB. The rims and tuning lugs could be fragile. Also, even with adequate insurance, they are not that easy to replace.