Description:
Set of folding, copper scales in a oval, tin case with a brass-hinged lid and traces of black japanning on the exterior. There is an oval paper label cut to fit inside the lid, inscribed in black and dated 1774 with weights for old and new guineas, which was issued by King George III (1738-1820) who reigned from 1760 to 1820. The label reads: "By His Majesty's / Proclamation June 25, 1774. all Gold Coin to go agreeable ? y following Table." over a table listing, "Guineas Coined since y 31 Dec 1771 5 = 8 [under Pwts and Crs.] / Half Guineas ditto 2 = 16 / Quarter Guineas ditto 1 = 8 / Guineas coined before Jan 1772 5 = 6 / Half Guineas ditto 2 = 14 / Quarter Guineas ditto 1 = 7." The interior base is divided into three compartments by a wavy band of metal. Smaller, portable scales, which were either held in the hand for weighing or hung from a metal stand, used the Roman system of the scruple, drachm, grain. These beam scales were used to measure the overall quantity of metal such as coins brought in by a client or provided by the silversmith for fashioning an object; measure the mixture of metals for solder in deterimining the amount of metal needed for casting; and calculate the client's cost by weight of finished piece. Brass weights have been used tradtionally since brass can be milled to exact weights. These scales were also used by apotheicaries and physicians for weighing and compounding drugs and calculating fees. The large compartment holds the scales with their steel balance beam and copper pans suspended from the beam with dark cord; the two smaller compartments hold two brass scale weights: the larger weight is marked on one side with a crown over "1 Guinea wt."; and a smaller weight is marked "1/2 Guinea" and "DW . G / 2.16."
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+3062 |
