Description

DEAN pocket tape metronome (orange!),

This handy item doubles as a tape measure and pocket metronome. The plastic container acts as the weight. Printed on one side of the tape is the scale from 60 to 160 and “POCKET METRONOME”. On the other side are inches and “DEAN”. The case diameter is 40 mm. The tape rewinds on a spring, activated by pressing the central button.

Edward DEAN (1899?-1866) founded his company in Newington South London. He was first a “tailor’s measure maker” then a “measuring tape maker”. It appears that Edward Dean began making tape measures in wood since his father was a carpenter and they had worked together in the past. Edward Dean died in 1866 and his partner William LERRO carried on until his own death. The company would continue in different hands until the 1980s.

The first versions of this metronome/tape measure were made of metal with a fabric tape around the 1900s. Later in the 1930s they were made of plastic. This appears to be a modern, fun version! Check out how it works in the video below!