Stamped:
FIRTH, POND & CO.
FRANKLIN SQ.
N-York
This is a very fine playing instrument, it has been my flute of choice for several years. I love the tone of this easy playing flute and crisp ornamentations just pop out of the smaller holes.
I would say the flute plays @ 444 with the embouchure in-line with the tone-holes.
But plays wonderfully @ 442 (my preferred pitch) with the embouchure tucked in a bit (far edge in-line with tone-hole centers.
The flute has some wear from over a 150-years, but I did not find any repairs.
Feel free to ask questions.
Here’s a history of Firth, Hall & Pond:
(Condensed From the Adirondack Branch.net)John Firth: 1798-1864
1812 served in war w/William Hall
1813 worked for Edward Riley in NYC
1815 started his own shop at 8 Warren St.
1817-19 now at 9 Frankfurt St.
1820 now at Hester St.
William Hall: 1796-1874
1812 served in war with John Firth
1813 worked for Edward Riley in NYC
1820 joined John Firth at 8 Warren St.
Sylvanus B. Pond: 1792-1871
1825 established music store in Albany, NY
1833 moved to NYC to join Firth & Hall
Firth & Hall:
1821 established at 362 Pearl St.
1832 moved to 1 Franklin Square
Firth, Hall & Pond:
1833-47 store at 1 Franklin Sq.
Firth, Pond & Co.:
1847-55 store at 1 Franklin Sq. with sons Thaddeus & Wm
1856-62 now at 547 Broadway; S.P. retires in 1850
Firth, Son & Co.:
1863 established at 563 Broadway with John, Thaddeus & Edward
1867 sold business to Oliver Ditson
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