Balance weight scale
Category
Metalwork
Date
Unknown
Materials
Bone, Metal
Measurements
290 mm (Length)20 mm (H)
Collection
Tatton Park, Cheshire
NT 1303806
Summary
A gold balance weight scale made by A Wilkinson, Kirkby Near Liverpool. The scale folds away into its bone case. Incised measuring scales and a label with instructions attached to the lid. Associated label. Part of Lord Egerton's collection of ethnographic objects once displayed in the Tenants' Hall.
Marks and inscriptions
Associated label. The turn at the end for a guinea; to the centre for half a guinea; and the slide at the cypher, where it stops; every stop nearer the centre is a farthing above the currency; the divisions the other way are a penny each for light gold. These balalnces are as accurate as the best of scales, more expeditious, portable and not so liable to be out of order. When you want to weigh quick, put the slide a farthing or two above weight for safety; and what gold will not draw, may be tried afterwards with the slide at the cypher. These balances may be tried with sealed weights at any time for the satisfaction of such as refuse to take money by them. If they vary they are soon brought to by the slide. Keep the machine (when open) as level as you can lest you break the centre of the beam. Before you shut the box, put up the scale.