Identified Civil War Fife with Carrying Case / SOLD

Identified Civil War Fife with Carrying Case - Inventory Number: MUS 164 / SOLD

Original Civil War fife with seldom encountered case.  The fife is accompanied by an old collector’s tag stating: “Fife of Boxwood with brass ferrules, unmarked in wooden case. Red, White, & Blue, lined with red felt. One compartment for oiled rag, brass hooks closing. 15 3/8” long – 1 ¼” ferrules. Belonged to Frank Welsh, Co. F. 118th New York Vol. Inf.”  

Cursory research shows only one soldier possible who served with company “F”, borne on the muster rolls as Samuel F. Welch - 18 years old.  Enlisted on 9/21/1864 at Plattsburg, NY as a Private. On 9/24/1864 he mustered into "F" Co. NY 118th Infantry. He was Mustered Out on 6/13/1865 at Richmond, VA. Member of GAR Post # 20 (Aurora) in Aurora, IL. Died 3/31/1923. 

A rare and attractive identified Civil War fife with case.

Inventory Number: MUS 164 / SOLD