Overview
This was released in 2002 as part of the Precious Metal series. Although that series was initially marketed separately to the Black Panther series, it was rolled up into the Black Panther range in 2004, annoyingly without the Solid Bronze models
A bit of a Unicorn this; they don't come up for sale very often on the second hand market, and when they do...well, better take out a second mortgage! These beasts weigh in at a hernia-inducing 22lbs (10kg), making even the Seamless Solid Steel look like a lightweight in comparison.
Note: This model (and it's brother) are categorised as "uncommon" simply because they were part of the standard Mapex range which didn't state they were a limited edition at the time. However, trust me on this, they are now ultra rare - I've been trying to get a Solid Bronze for years!!
Update Sept 2022: You'll note that there are a lot of photos of this model courtesy of Abel Garró Gómez. I make zero apology about this. Firstly, because it's one of the rarest models out there and I'd sell what's left of my soul for one. And secondly, because Abel managed to get his example as New Old Stock, complete with tags! Not just a unicorn, but a perfectly preserved unplayed unicorn!!! If you are already, like me, burning with jealously, it won't help for you to find out that it cost him less than £200/$230! If you listen carefully, the noise you can hear in the distance is my teeth grinding! Well played Abel, well played! Also, Abel pointed out that the model came with a 24-strand snare not a 20-strand - I've updated the listing.
Stop Press: After Abel posted his model on a few Facebook groups, it was pointed out that his example doesn't have any reinforcement rings!!! According to the Mapex spec they are all supposed to have reinforcing rings milled into the shell, so Abel's now becomes even more stupidly rare than it was before...if that was possible. That noise you can hear is my teeth grinding being turned up to 11!
Photos courtesy of Abel Garró Gómez, Hamish Mackintosh, Joris Nijenhuis and Daniel Z. Warshauer. Cheers guys - really much appreciated!
