Tuning Fork

Dateca. 1850

Mediumsteel

Dimensions4 1/4 × 1/2 × 1/4 in. (10.8 × 1.3 × 0.6 cm)

ClassificationsTools, Implements & Weights

Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, gift of Mrs. R. W. G. Vail, via the Albuquerque Historical Society

Object numberPC1967.8.23

DescriptionThis steel tuning fork features two long prongs that meet at their ends to form a 'U' shape, extending into a smaller point at the tip. Emerging during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, tuning forks constructed specifically of steel began to gain popularity due to their accuracy in tuning instruments. As a result of the drastic musical discoveries that have been encountered since their invention, musical tuning forks today are typically constructed of aluminium alloy.

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