Skip to main content
Advanced Search
1991-26, Tuning Fork
Tuning fork (musical instrument, in A, 425
1991-26, Tuning Fork

Tuning fork (musical instrument, in A, 425

DateCA 1790
OriginEngland, Birmingham
Mediumsteel
DimensionsOL: 4 13/16". Widest point: 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1991-26
DescriptionA steel tuning fork in "A" (425 c.p.s.). The 3" tines meet in a handle that is rectangular at the base of the fork and round at its end. The fork is engraved "A" on both sides.
Label TextThe tuning fork is marked "A" and is pitched at A=425, which is lower than today's modern pitch of A=440. It is similar in size and shape to tuning forks illustrated in a Birmingham trade catalog (watermarked 1799), at the Essex Institute.
Inscribedsee "marks"
MarkingsEngraved on each side, at base of fork, "A"
ProvenanceThis was found in a ca. 1790 George Astor piano once owned by George Wilson; however, it is not certain that the fork is original to the piano. Wilson had purchased the instrument from the Bozarth Auction Co, c. 1974.
Exhibition(s)
Tall Case Clock 1930-53
Tall Case Clock
1814-1825
D2011-CMD_R.2012.172
Tall Case Clock
1800-1815
D2010-CMD-. Tall case clock
Tall Case Clock
1815-1820
Carving Knife and Fork and 6 Table Knives 2016-165
Carving Knife and Fork and Six Table Knives
ca. 1780
Fork 1979-481
Cooking Fork
1831
1930-583, Clock
Tall Case Clock
ca. 1760
1956-436,A&B, Clock
Tall case clock
ca. 1700
2005-105, Clock
Tall Case Clock
1765-1785
Tall Case Clock 1951-578
Tall Case Clock
1793-1796
DS95-547. Tall-case clock. Post-conservation.
Tall case clock
ca. 1775 (movement); 1805-1815 (case)
1972-36,A-D, Tall Case Clock
Tall Case Clock
ca. 1765 case; ca. 1740 movement
1972-36,A-D, Tall Case Clock
Tall case clock works
ca. 1740