The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

First-hand \First"-hand`\, a.
   Obtained directly from the first or original source; hence,
   without the intervention of an agent; -- of information; as,
   a firsthand report; firsthand information; firsthand
   knowledge.

   Syn: direct, original.
        [1913 Webster]

              One sphere there is . . . where the apprehension
              of him is first-hand and direct; and that is the
              sphere of our own mind.             --J.
                                                  Martineau.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

firsthand
    adv 1: from the original source; directly; "I heard this story
           firsthand" [syn: firsthand, at first hand]
    adj 1: received directly from a source; "firsthand information"