C Fife – METZLER

490,00 

Category Flutes
Maker METZLER
Marks and inscriptions METZLER / LONDON / C
Period 1750-1830
Place of origin England
Description Boxwood fife with nickel silver ferrules
Materials Boxwood, nickel silver
Dimensions Total length 370 mm
Sounding length 305 mm
Weight 80 g
Condition Working condition
Price (€) €490.00
Ref 1155

Description

C fife – METZLER

This is quite a unique and unusual fife. It is made of boxwood and bears the maker’s stamp, METLZER, LONDON and a C. But which Metzler?

We think it was made around 1800. It was not made by Valentin METZLER (c.1756-1832) since he had his own stamp before his business became Metzler & Son. Then there was Martin METZLER (ca. 1755-1809), who was born in Germany, moved to England and then went back to Germany. He was the Musical Instrument Maker of the Court of Carlsruhe but also sold advertised the sale of English flutes… maybe those under the name of Metzler London? We will never know for sure.

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There are more markings, maybe from its previous owners. Etched into the surface are the initials M. M.  and the letter P.  This fife has certainly seen a great deal of action and if it could talk, it would certainly have some wonderful stories to tell.

This C fife is in good condition with no cracks or warping. The nickel silver ferrules are unusual.  We think there were originally brass ferrules that may have been lost or damaged and replaced. It plays at just under a=440 Hz and its new owner would have not just a musical instrument, but a tangible connection to the past.

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