Harp String Gauge 1829

This brass harp string gauge, dated 1829, was created by Sébastien Érard (1780-1859), a renowned French piano and harp maker. The gauge, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, measures 9.5 cm in length, and is a testament to the precision and craftsmanship of Érard's workshop. The tool was used to measure the thickness of harp strings, ensuring accurate tuning and optimal sound quality for these intricate instruments. This object provides a unique glimpse into the technical aspects of musical instrument making in the early 19th century.