A lovely set of antique balance beam scales dating from the mid to late 19th century. The scales are made of brass one brass pan suspended by chain and another glass pan on a brass cradle. The base of the brass pan is stamped with a VR cypher for Queen Victoria.
The scales screw into the top of the box for easy use wherever they would have been set up and pack away neatly into the drawer below. There is an old maker or retailer's plaque on the top of the box for "S.Maw.Son & Sons 7 to 12 Aldersgate Street London".
There are various sets of original old brass weights with the scales that measure in troy ounces and grains.
Measurements :
Box : 11 1/2" x 6" x 2 1/4"
Height : 14 1/2" (37cm)
Pan Diameter : 2 1/2" (6.5cm)
Beam Length : 7 1/2" (19cm)
The whole set is in very good condition and displays well. The brass has tarnished over time and there are signs of age and use and some minor marks and chips on the box and a few small nibbles around the edge of the glass pan. Although complete, they are really being sold as a decorative collectors item rather than an accurate scientific instrument.
