Firth Hall & Pond Boxwood 1-Key

Firth, Hall & Pond was a New York instrument-making and music-publishing firm formed in 1833 by John Firth, William Hall, and Sylvanus Pond. Operating from Franklin Square in New York City, the company produced winds, organs, guitars, and sheet music until it dissolved in 1847, after which the partners continued under various successor names. Their woodwind instruments, stamped with the firm's name and address, are well-documented in American museum collections including the Smithsonian and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This one-key flute is constructed of boxwood with ivory ferrules. The original head joint plays sharp of A=440 when cold, warming up to pitch as it's played in. The included Copley alternative head joint, made of boxwood and imitation ivory, is slightly longer and brings the flute to A=440 once properly warmed up. Both head joints play well.

The flute is in excellent condition. There are no significant cracks to speak of; there may be a sealed crack or two at the foot joint but these are very minor. The instrument is clean and well-preserved overall. The tone is mellow and comfortable, a flute well suited for playing around the house and a fine example of American 19th-century instrument making.