to the United States: it is described as "a gorgeous baton made of maplewood, richly mounted in gold and set with costly diamonds."

Batons have historically varied in length from about 10 to 24 in though a range of between 12 and 16 in(or near the length of the conductors forearm) is more commonly used today; Henry Wood once requested the use of a 24-inch baton. When Gaspare Spontini arrived in Dresden in 1844, Wagner had