Posted 13 years ago
renoir911
(36 items)
This old weight scale is hand held. It has been in the family for more then 100 years but we do not know it's exact date or who actually made it. There are no inscriptions on the wooden case. The paper inside of the case has the weight values. Mystery! Help. Would sure like to know when it was made. It's complete! The metal hanger is showing it's age. Kept in a dust free glass show case. I did not know what category to put this in as none seem to match this item.
An update from Mr. Bauer, an expert in collectibles in Germany. Here is what he wrote: "The scale is a very fine specimen. It is a small scale for pharmacists. Or a scale for gold! This is a small treasure! Everything is complete! Congratulations!"
They are Gold scales French late 18th early 19th century. I've seen them before, were ?? But thats what they are. Dave
This is a scale for weighing gold coins. The paper on the lid lists the various circulating European gold coins and gives their weights. The weights are nesting weights since they fit into one another to save space and the thin pieces are fractional weights. This was a money changers scale since the only thing that mattered was the gold content of the coins. These scale sets in nice condition with complete weights are hard to find and occasionally can be found listed in European coin auction catalogs. D'Dave is correct in the age range.
My apologies for the delay in responding to you, divorce will do that. I truly appreciate the information I am receiving on this and other very old pieces handed down in the family. The historical facts are as important to me, if not more, then the possible value they may have. Thank you so much.