This is a rare and unusual boxwood fife made by London’s own METZLER. 

The company was founded in 1788 by Valentin METZLER (c.1756-1832). His son, George Richard (1797-1867), joined the business in 1816 and the name changed to Metzler & Son.  Valentin died in 1832, so in 1833, the firm’s name changed to Metzler & Co. Then in 1866, George Richard retired and his son George Thomas took over. In 1893, it became a limited company before finally being taken over by J. B. Cramer & Co in 1931.

But what about the TOWNSEND part of the stamp? That belongs to John Townsend (c.1795-1864). He was a Manchester music publisher, musical instrument maker, musical instrument dealer and professor of music. He sold instruments made, for example, by the Metzler and Wallis workshops.

This C fife is a rare find because it has one single brass key! It is in excellent condition with no cracks or warping. It was previously cleaned and the pad is new. Dated to approximately 1840-1860, it plays at around and about a=448 Hz.