Fife, 1830-1850
Add to SetSummary
Samuel Graves Jr. began manufacturing musical instruments in New England in the 1820s. Factory workers used lathes to shape the wood, metal, and ivory components of the woodwind instruments that were his company's mainstay in its early years. Instruments such as fifes, flutes, piccolos, and clarinets were the foundation of military and local bands before newly invented key and valve brass instrument became popular.
Samuel Graves Jr. began manufacturing musical instruments in New England in the 1820s. Factory workers used lathes to shape the wood, metal, and ivory components of the woodwind instruments that were his company's mainstay in its early years. Instruments such as fifes, flutes, piccolos, and clarinets were the foundation of military and local bands before newly invented key and valve brass instrument became popular.
Artifact
Fife
Date Made
1830-1850
On Exhibit
at Greenfield Village in Sounds of America Gallery (Foster Memorial)
Object ID
77.68.4
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Maple (Wood)
Brass (Alloy)
Dimensions
Length: 15.472 in
Inscriptions
ferrule (eagle insignia above inscription): Graves & Co. / Winchester N.H. / C
Share Anywhere
Use this Artifact Card to share this great find with others. From historic images to vivid descriptions, a record of rich detail is bundled inside a single card.
