Accession No

1922.1160.1-4


Description

Balance/set of scales (.2) in a case (.1) with two brass half-guinea and guinea weights (.3-.4). Oblong shagreen-covered wooden case with brass and iron hinges; the inside is lined with a green silk and velvet. Contains a set of scales with steel arm suspending two shallow brass pans from green cords, and two coin-shaped weights stamped with a bust of King William III and 'GVLIELMVS III DEI GRA' on obverse and a crown and 'GVINEA W' on reverse.


Place

Europe; British Isles; England


Period

Post Medieval ?17th century ?18th century


Source

Clarke, Louis Colville Gray [donor]


Department

Arch


Reference Numbers

1922.1160.1-4


Cultural Affliation


Material

Metal; Iron; Steel; Lead; Copper alloy; Brass; Wood; ?Shark skin; ?Ray skin; Fibre; Textile


Local Term


Measurements

50mm x 22mm x 96mm Weight 0.061kg


Events

Description (Physical description)
Balance/set of scales (.2) in a case (.1) with two brass half-guinea and guinea weights (.3-.4). Oblong shagreen-covered wooden case with brass and iron hinges; the inside is lined with a green silk and velvet. Contains a set of scales with steel arm suspending two shallow brass pans from green cords, and two coin-shaped weights stamped with a bust of King William III and 'GVLIELMVS III DEI GRA' on obverse and a crown and 'GVINEA W' on reverse.
Event Date
Author: Lily Stancliffe


Context (Found together / assemblage)
Found in a plastic bag of seven balances/weighing scales (1914.411.1-14, 1922.1160.1-4, 1927.61, 1927.63, 1927.64.1-9, TEMP.00856, TEMP.00857) with a handwritten note reading 'WEIGHING SCALES'.
Event Date
Author: David Kay


Description (Labels & Markings)
A paper label affixed to the object (1922.1160.2) with string is stamped: 'CLARKE GIFT', and written above it in pencil: '22.1160'.
Event Date
Author: David Kay


Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card: 'Scales for weighing guineas & half guineas, the weights bear the head of William III, enclosed in fish skin case.'
Event Date
Author: maa


Context (Amendments / updates)
Given the guinea/half-guinea weights that are a part of this object are stamped with the bust and name of William III, the Period field has been updated from 'Unknown' to 'Post Medieval; ?17th century; ?18th century'.
Event Date 15/3/2019
Author: David Kay


Description (Physical description)
Shagreen case (1) - Oblong shagreen-covered wooden case with brass and iron hinges and catch (the latter being slightly damaged). The inside of the lid is lined with a green silk-like cloth, and the bottom with a more vivid green velvet-like textile (much worn, and with some evidence of moth damage, probably historic). There are two small partitions in the corners subdividing the inside into three sections.
Balance/set of scales (2) - a steel balancing arm, in the centre of which is a thin spike, a hinged suspension loop, and small hinged plumb. There are also two shallow circular brass pans, each affixed to three strings of green cord which terminate in a small wire hook attached to the ends of the balancing arm. Small pink tassels are affixed to the tops of these cords, though one is much damaged. A small sheet of lead has also been pinched closed around one set of cords.
Weights (3-4) - two coin-shaped weights, one for a half-guinea (3) and one for a guinea (4). Each are stamped on one side with a bust of King William III of England and the inscription 'GVLIELMVS III DEI GRA', and on the other side with with an elaborate crown and the inscription 'GVINEA W'.
Event Date 15/3/2019
Author: David Kay


FM:45280

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