Courtesy of the Dayton C. Miller Flute Collection
Library of Congress, Music Division, Washington , D.C. 20540
Mark on fife: W. CROSBY / BOSTON
Place of business: Boston , Mass.
Note: This is an original Crosby fife made by Walter Crosby of Boston. This is not a Cloos/Crosby or a Crosby style fife. The original Crosby fifes are very different from the copies!
Dates of business: 1830-1872*
*Per Langwill.
Features:
Length of Instrument -17 3/8 inches.
Wood -the instrument is made of, what seems to be, rosewood.
Key of instrument -Bb.
Finger Holes -The finger holes are of different sizes.
Swell -not measured.
Ferrules – Silver*
* Additional Mark: Henry Donnelly / Fife Major / 69th Regt // New York St / V.V. / Irish Brigade (cursive, engraved on upper and lower ferrules)
NOTES (per Dayton Miller Flute Collection)
In addition to the expected tapered end ferrules, there are 6 more silver ferrules, approximately 5.5 millimeters wide, which were applied to prevent or reduce cracking and they are also positioned in a manner helping to define tonehole placement.
Additional Data : The following was found on Henry (Hugh) Donnelly: Enlisted on 2/18/1864 at New York City , NY as a Private. On 2/18/1864 he mustered into “G” Co. NY 69th Infantry He was Mustered Out on 6/30/1865 at Alexandria , VA Promotions: * Musician * Fife Major 6/30/1864