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 |
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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.
show more 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. show less