a - Length 11.2 cm x Width 11.0 cm x Height 22.5 cm
b - Length 2.0 cm x Width 1.7 cm
c - Length 13.3 cm x Width 8.0 cm x Height 0.5 cm
d - Length 10.3 cm x Width 7.0 cm x Height 1.7 cm
A mechanical wind-up metronome. The metronome's wooden casing (a) is a square-based pyramid with two circular feet at the front and a protruding edge at the back of the base. There is a metal ring on the proper left side near the bottom that is used to wind the metronome. A pendulum is located in the middle on the front side of the metronome. When wound, the pendulum swings back and fourth at the user's desired tempo, which is set using a small adjustable weight (b) that slides up or down the pendulum. Behind the pendulum, there is a guide of numbered intervals and the words "PRESTO // ALLEGRO // ANDANTE // ADAGIO // LARGHETTO // LARGO" on a strip of paper. Stamped in black on the underside of the metronome is "427,126". When not in use, the metronome has a wooden cover that attaches to the front and covers the pendulum. It is triangular in shape with a flat top and a small metal hook that secures it shut. There is a hexagonal metal plate on the front of the cover that reads "HOLLANDE // ANGLETERRE // FRANCE // AMERIQUE // BELGIQUE // PARIS" around the perimeter with "METRONOME // MAELZEL" in the center. The interior winding mechanisms of the metronome are covered by a wooden base piece (d) that has a square handle in the center.
The central inscription on this metronome links it to Johann Maelzel, a nineteenth century inventor known for his promotion of mechanical musical instruments. While the invention of mechanized metronomes like this one are sometimes attributed to Maelzel, it is widely suggested that he drew the idea from inventor, Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel. Maelzel added a scale to the invention, began patenting his machine in 1815, and promoted "Maelzel's Metronome," which Beethoven is known to have used.
