Metronome

The wooden metronome with the front panel removed to show the reattached tempo marking strip and mechanism.

Identification

  • Object Type: Metronome
  • Date: ~ 1880-1920
  • Origin: Unknown
  • Owner: Burton Constable Hall
  • Maker: Maelzel
  • Measurements: 
    • Base: 10 x 10.8 cm
    • Height: 20 cm
  • Materials: Mahogany wood, brass mechanism, iron components

Summary

The metronome is a Maelzel Metronome from between 1880-1920. The casing is made of mahogany wood and the mechanism is made of brass with some iron components. 

Metronomes have been an important part of learning to play, as well as playing instruments since 1815 when Maelzel first patented them. Learning an instrument can often be an expensive hobby and so often only middle or upper-class people pursue it. This means that having a metronome especially one from Maelzel was a showing of socioeconomic status. 

Behind the Scenes

A wooden metronome broken in four pieces. The third piece contains the metal mechanism.
Metronome in pieces before conservation treatment.
The front of the metronome after treatment. A new wooden section has been created for the missing section at the base.
Metronome after conservation treatment.
The wooden metronome with the front panel removed to show the reattached tempo marking strip and mechanism.
Metronome after conservation treatment. Front panel removed.

The conservator who treated this object is Evan, click on the profile to learn more.

Note: All images were taken by the conservator unless stated otherwise.

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