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ID #SA1190413
FOR SALE
£975
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Extremely Rare Ebonised Metronome Coquille / Shell. Circa 1910.
For sale by Dragoncharger Antiques
for sale €1,141     $1,238
£975

Dragoncharger Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2024
Browse dealers 163 items
  • About Us
    Specialising in early japanese cloisonne, edo enamel artisan period.
Id #SA1190413
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Extremely Rare Ebonised Metronome Coquille / Shell. Circa 1910.

1900 - 1920
Description

Extremely Rare Ebonised Metronome Coquille / Shell. Circa 1910.

Large Metronome in a rare form called a ''Coquille'' (Shell). Most likely made by the French company Paquet. The ebonised wooden panel case has been tempered (soaked) and rounded to give the shell shape and requires a very clever and slow process to maintain this shape without splitting the wood panels, hence rarity of construction. This example shows no stress marks or cracks. It is extremely attractive externally, with fabulous dark ebonised wood.

Inside the door, the tempo scale is of the typical type, clearly legible, but differs from the standard tempo scale with the words ''Forme Coquille'' and ''Modèle Déposé'' (top of the scale). The functioning bell provides a very good click tone on a single setting. The pendulum is good, well balanced and audible. It provides for circa 60 beats per minute for a total running time of approximately 45 minutes.

The base is held by 3 small brass feet (with serial number to base and another number, possibly manufacturing type). To access the mechanism the feet need to be removed. The brass winding key is integrated and original.

It is very difficult to find this model in working condition on the market today, and only a very limited number were made.

Condition: Excellent with only superficial scratches commensurate with age. Consistent wear marks are visible around the winder and the front catch. This example shows no stress marks or cracks.

Dimensions:

Height = 25 cm

Width = 12 cm

Depth = 12 cm

Physical Dimensions
Height
25cm (9.84")
Width
12cm (4.72")
Depth
12cm (4.72")
Declaration

Dragoncharger Antiques has dated this Ebonised Antique Wood Metronome to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1190413
Dealers Internal Reference
D:90009
Description
Extremely Rare Ebonised Metronome Coquille / Shell. Circa 1910.

Large Metronome in a rare form called a ''Coquille'' (Shell). Most likely made by the French company Paquet. The ebonised wooden panel case has been tempered (soaked) and rounded to give the shell shape and requires a very clever and slow process to maintain this shape without splitting the wood panels, hence rarity of construction. This example shows no stress marks or cracks. It is extremely attractive externally, with fabulous dark ebonised wood.

“
Inside the door, the tempo scale is of the typical type, clearly legible, but differs from the standard tempo scale with the words ''Forme Coquille'' and ''Modèle Déposé'' (top of the scale).
Dragoncharger Antiques

The functioning bell provides a very good click tone on a single setting. The pendulum is good, well balanced and audible. It provides for circa 60 beats per minute for a total running time of approximately 45 minutes.

fig 1. An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side.
fig 1. Extremely Rare Ebonised Metronome Coquille / Shell. Circa 1910.

The base is held by 3 small brass feet (with serial number to base and another number, possibly manufacturing type). To access the mechanism the feet need to be removed. The brass winding key is integrated and original.

fig 2. An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side.
fig 2. Extremely Rare Ebonised Metronome Coquille / Shell. Circa 1910.

It is very difficult to find this model in working condition on the market today, and only a very limited number were made.

Condition: Excellent with only superficial scratches commensurate with age. Consistent wear marks are visible around the winder and the front catch. This example shows no stress marks or cracks.

Dimensions:

Height = 25 cm

Width = 12 cm

Depth = 12 cm

Height
25cm (9.84")
Width
12cm (4.72")
Depth
12cm (4.72")
Date of Manufacture

Dragoncharger Antiques has dated this Ebonised Antique Wood Metronome to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1190413
Dealers Internal Ref
D:90009
Dragoncharger Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2024

Specialising in early japanese cloisonne, edo enamel artisan period.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Dragoncharger Antiques Profile Page

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An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side.
1 / 17
Archive I An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side.

Extremely Rare Ebonised Metronome Coquille / Shell. Circa 1910.

Archive II An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side. View II
Archive III An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side. View III
Archive IV An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side. View IV
Archive V An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side. View V
Archive VI An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side. View VI
Archive VII An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side. View VII
Archive VIII An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side. View VIII
Archive IX An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side. View IX
Archive X An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side. View X
Archive XI An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side. View XI
Archive XII An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side. View XII
Archive XIII An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side. View XIII
Archive XIV An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side. View XIV
Archive XV An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side. View XV
Archive XVI An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side. View XVI
Archive XVII An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side. View XVII
Enlarged Archival View

Dragoncharger Antiques
Telephone 07974 144321
Location
Bristol
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/dragonchargerantiques
Verified Since Aug 2024
Items For Sale 163
Items Sold 20
Dragoncharger Antiques
Verified Since Aug 2024
View Dealer Info
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/dragonchargerantiques
Verified
Aug 2024
For Sale
163
Sold
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An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side.
Extremely Rare Ebonised Metronome Coquille / Shell. Circa 1910.
Ref: SA1190413
An ebonised black wooden pyramid-shaped mechanical metronome with a brass winding key on the side.
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectMetronomes
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleEdwardian
  • MaterialEbonised Wood, Brass
  • ColourBlack
  • MotifsPyramidal case, Ebonised finish, Brass winding key, Top hook clasp
  • SizeH 25 cm (10 in) x W 12 cm (5 in) x D 12 cm (5 in)

This Edwardian metronome takes a pyramidal shell form, dating from circa 1910. The case is constructed from wood with a black ebonised finish, complemented by brass hardware including a side winding key, a top hook clasp, and three small feet visible beneath the base. Superficial scratches, consistent wear marks around the winder and the front catch, and some slight paint loss near the horizontal seam show signs of age on the surface. Measuring 25 cm high by 12 cm wide and 12 cm deep, the object sits on a piano top in a gentleman's library or music room. To operate the metronome, the winding key is turned to power the internal mechanism, which drives a pendulum to set the musical tempo. The piece functions to maintain a steady beat for musicians during practice sessions. Placed upon a flat surface such as a desk, shelf, or piano, it serves as a functional timekeeping device while adding period character to the interior space.

FAQs

Patented in the early nineteenth century by Johann Maelzel, the mechanical metronome became an essential tool for musicians to keep precise tempo. During the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, cases were frequently crafted from wood treated with an ebonised finish to mimic costly ebony timber.

These instruments were typically constructed using a wooden outer caseoften pine or fruitwood dyed black, or hardwoods like mahogany and walnuthousing internal brass gear mechanisms, steel springs, and lead-weighted swinging pendulums.

Authentic pieces feature traditional clockwork mechanisms wound with a side key, stamped tempo scale plates inside the door, hand-fitted brass latches, and natural age-related wear to the ebonised surface lacquer.

An ebonised metronome serves as a striking sculptural accent on a grand piano, within a dark academia bookshelf arrangement, or alongside brass accessories on an office desk or mantelpiece.

Keep the wood case dust-free using a soft, dry microfibre cloth and avoid placing it near direct heat or damp environments. Do not overwind the internal spring movement, and keep the swinging pendulum secured with its top latch when not in operation.
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