Seth Thomas Metronome De Maëlzel, #0262--Vintage from Mid-1950s, EXCELLENT Vintage Condition
This piece has been mine, and in my home, since I began taking piano lessons--approximately in 1954 or 1955. It is about 70 years old. My parents bought it for me when they bought me the MCM blonde oak Wurlitzer spinet piano on which my metronome sat for decades. (This is all about down-sizing in retirement. Two years ago, we reluctantly sold my Wurlitzer piano, and now, equally reluctantly, I'm finally willing to part with its companion metronome. So, it needs a good new home.)
On the base, there is a number that is hard to read: #0262 (which descriptions of some comparables call the "Cat. #." This one is a MUCH LOWER NUMBER than others that look to be the same: If we assume that the higher the number, the later the piece was made, most of the comparables I have found have higher 4-digit numbers, many in 5000s or 6000s. Also on the base, it is marked "Metronome" and my best guess--the number "8." I have seen examples with this number ranging from "7" to "10." This too may indicate an earlier-made piece (mid-1950s).
Also, there is another longer number noted on many of these metronomes. Based on looking at many comparables, I am pretty sure that mine is #E873-111 ISS, but I no longer have the paper label, which is where that number would have been.
Wood: Satinwood is my best guess, but I have seen very comparable-looking metronomes listed as "maple," and even "pecan."
Brass Fittings: These include the latch on the top to secure the removable door; the winder on the side; the Seth Thomas maker's label on the front of the base; and the metronomic scale, with steel pendulum--both inside.
Base: This is a mystery to me. It is not wood and not metal. It is some kind of non-wood hard material, maybe Bakelite or a hard masonite-like MCM material? It's a 1950s material. Newer examples of these metronomes have a vented metal plate base, or plastic.
Form and Dimensions: Pyramidal, 9" Tall. The base is 4 3/8" square.
One of reasons why I am mildly enjoying down-sizing is that I have a reason to research / delve into the history of styles of furniture and decor and special purpose items or historical makers / manufacturers of items that I decide to list. So, bear with me, for some fun history of the metronome (adapted from Wikipedia and other sources):
Ancient History and 19th Century:
- A type of metronome was invented by the Andalusian polymath Abbas ibn Firnas in the 9th century. About 1,100 years ago!
- The metronome is a version of pendulum, a concept studied by Galileo in the 16th-17th centuries. Only 300-400 years ago!
- According to Wikipedia, the more familiar mechanical musical chronometer, as we know it, has an odd story of questionable behavior. The instrument apparently was invented by Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel in Amsterdam in 1814. However, a German inventor, Johann Nepomuk Maëlzel, added a scale to Winkel's device, called it a "metronome," patented it in 1815, and started manufacturing the metronome under his own name in 1816: "Maëlzel's Metronome." Poor Mr. Winkel.
20th Century (and Corporate) History:
- The Metronome De Maelzel was manufactured by the General Time Corporation. The General Time Corporation was founded from the 1930 merger of the Seth Thomas Clock Company with the Western Clock Company in Thomaston, CT. The Seth Thomas Clock Company was certainly among the most prolific, best-known, and well-regarded among clock manufacturers.
- This Metronome de Maelzel was manufactured for 38 years until the company was sold and moved to Georgia in 1968.
- I have seen more recent / newer versions of this metronome labeled as made by Talley Industries Company, also in Thomaston, CT--for example, one of these is dated 1987.
- Also, in the later part of the 20th century, electronic metronomes and software metronomes were invented.
Shipping or Local Pick-Up and Payments:
For US/Domestic buyers, we suggest shipping via USPS Ground Advantage (2-5 days) or, if Buyer prefers, USPS Priority Mail (1-4 days).
We will pack the metronome in a 10" x 8" x 6" shipping box that will weigh a bit under 2 lbs.
International shipping would be via EBAY's International Shipping Program.
If we are to ship, we will send the package within 3 business days after receiving Buyer's payment (and shipping preference / information) via EBAY.
We also can offer LOCAL PICK-UP in Delray Beach, Florida, by appointment, and with CASH payment at the time of pick-up.
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I had fun writing this description. Please message me if you have any questions about the listed item, or if you have any interesting information to share about the history of metronomes--to improve my knowledge.
And, thank you for looking!