Posted 7 years ago
tharris
(1 item)
This item is in my Dads shed. It is 61 cm (24 in) long, the bar is 4 sided with two opposing sides with notches along the length the other two none. Thinking it is a weighing tool of some kind?
It came from on old bush Inn built in the mid to late 1850's. Cannot see any markings on it as it is very rusty and dirty.
Any information would be greatly appreciated and thank you for your time in advance.
Tracy
This is a steelyard balance (pronounced in Australia stilyad).
It is a weighing device - it was hung from the top hook and items on the hooks below - as the counterbalance is moved to the balance point it indicates weight.
Yes, generally agricultural here in Aus but steelyards of allsizes have been used in many industries.
Thanks racer4four for your reply...very much appreciated. It always amazes me the knowledge out there.
The scale has two different weight ranges. It can be hung from EITHER of the small hooks and item to be weighed is hung from the double hook. The weight is read on the top face of the beam.
UncleRon thanks for the information....the stilyad is to dirty to read any writing (if any) and wondering what is the best way to clean it
Tracy
The most important thing in cleaning old iron objects is to remove the loose surface rust and dirt but NOT remove the natural brown color off of the metal. It is hard iron oxide, i.e. the "patina" which takes decades to develop. Loose rust and dirt can absorb moisture from the air and cause the rusting to continue deeper into the metal. The dark oxide coating will absorb and hold oil and actually help to protect the surface; and it has a pleasing appearance.
The safest way, if you are not experienced, is to use a BRASS-bristled brush (you can find brass "toothbrush-like" brushes in many hardware and hobby catalogues) and gently scrub over the surface. When everything that comes off easily is removed put on some light oil and let the piece rest overnight (put newspaper under it to absorb any drainage). Household oils, such as 3-in-One brand, work. They tend to dry over time leaving a thin waxy coating and that is desirable in this case. I like WD-40 spray. Museum curators would use Renaissance Micro-crystalline wax which is a superior conservation product. (I don't like hard varnish or lacquer coatings because they don't look "natural.") After the oil had a chance to "soak in" dry off any excess with a cloth. You should have a deep chocolate-brown color with a satin shine.