Boys were often used as fifers if they had the skill and sufficient lung power. Fifes throughout the 18th century were nearly all made of boxwood. This specific type of "tonewood" possessed tonal properties that make them a good choice. Turkish boxwood was preferred, as it was thought that the dry climate might produce wood less susceptible to warping, but in truth, all boxwood, unless perfectly seasoned and used in extremely short pieces, tended to warp. At least one Philadelphia maker was known to use tropical tonewoods such as rosewood, and by the 1820-30s American manufacturers had virtually abandoned the use of boxwood.
Group
Sculptural Figure(s)
Condition
Extra Fine painted
Scale
Scale 1:30
Material
Metal-Alloy
Epoch
American Civil War
Time
1861 - 1865
Nationality/Location
CSA
State
New
Not a toy! Not suitable for children under the age of 14!
W. Britain Model Figures E. Water St. 20 OH 45601 Chillicothe Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
