Firth and pond
Music Dealers and Publishers
John Firth established a music store with William Hall in 1821. In 1833 William Pond joined the company which became known as "Firth, Hall, & Pond." Both Hall and Pond would eventually leave the partnership and begin their own businesses in New York. The three men sold a variety of musical instruments as well as published sheet music.
Painted New York regimental drum by William Pond and Company. The drum shell is painted red and has been decorated with the New York State Seal.
The metal hooks are certainly not original to the drum, as well as the rope, leather braces, and batter skin. It also appears that the upper counter hoop should be on the bottom due to the snare gate seen cut into it.
This motif is seen on numerous drums attributed to the National Guard of New York (N.G.S.N.Y.) as displayed on the bottom right side of the painting.
Most likely this drum was made by William Kilbourn and sold in Pond’s store. Similarly made drums also contain William Hall labels. Neither Hall or Pond were actual drum makers, but dealers and supplies. William Kilbourn being their source for drums.
16 ½” Diameter by 13 5/16” Tall
Interior original paper label: "From / Firth, Pond & Co., / Importers, Manufacturers, and Dealers in / Musical Instruments, Publishers of Music, &c. / No. 547 Broadway, New-York."
Firth, Pond & Co. were in business from 1856 – 1862 at 547 Broadway, afterwards becoming “Firth, Son & Co.” in 1863.
The maple shell has patinaed to a rich brown color with a single row of iron nails along the seam. The red painted counter hoops are drilled for ten holes and secured with iron nails. Remnants of a few leather braces remain.
"Civil War drummer Jacob Booze (1840–1909) was presented this drum in 1863 by officers of his regiment, Company C, 1st New Jersey Volunteers, for recognition of service. The drum is inscribed with 14 of the engagements that Booz participated in."
Manufactured by William Pond & Co. Part of the Smithsonian's Collection
Although not a drum, "The Drummers' and Fifers' Guide" by Bruce and Emmett is a well known music manual. This example was published by William Pond and Co. as seen at the bottom of the cover in 1864.
The book belonged to H.E. Lake of Co. D of the 107th Reg. of the New York State National Guard.
Another original B&E, this example being published by Firth, Pond, and Co. in 1862.