＜p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"＞This beautiful Firth, Hall & Pond 8-key flute in cocus wood and silver comes from the collection of the late Mickie Zeckley, who was known for his vast and varied flute collection. A fine example from this maker, it features fancy rings and gorgeous figured cocus. The flute plays nicely at A=440 with the slide extended just a few millimeters.＜/p＞ ＜p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"＞The barrel section had three hairline cracks which have been sealed by luthier Matthew Slauson, who also resealed the barrel liner. We recommend the future owner maintain proper humidification at 50-60% humidity to ensure the flute does not dry out.＜br＞＜br＞Firth, Hall & Pond was a prominent mid-19th century New York City music firm. The firm produced and retailed quality flutes that are well-regarded among collectors of American-made 19th-century woodwinds. Their flutes typically feature fine craftsmanship and materials comparable to the better English makers of the period.＜br＞＜/p＞