During the American Revolution, fifes, drums and bugles were used in the heart of battle as the primary means of communication. Commanders used the shrillness of the fife, directionality of the bugle and boom of the drum to relay orders to troops signaling precise tactical maneuvers, making those musicians the first, and only, signal corps of that time. This fife ornament is made by hand using centuries-old method of zardozi embroidery. 6"h.