Carrying on the cluttered desk theme

Stork

It wasn't ON the desk, but in a drawer.



These were used as counterfeit detectors. It's a balance for measuring sovereigns and half sovereigns and could be found on the counters of shopkeepers.



Basically the coin would have to fit flat in the respective sized section and then fit in the slot to ensure both diameter and thickness were correct. In addition, the coin had to be of sufficient weight to move the balance.



I'm not sure this picture will work, but hopefully it shows everything well enough.



These can be found on eBay, some with the original box which are pretty cool.

ajaan

Yes, pretty cool.

SYRACUSIAN

Very cool! I first saw these at the Saturday market on Portobello road in Notting Hill a few years ago, in London. I even bought a couple that I later offered them as gifts, as I had practically no use for them. But this is the first time I hear about an original box, I'll definitely check out the listings.

lordmarcovan

These are indeed cool. Like Dimitri, I don't think I'd have any use for one in my collection (practical or otherwise), but they're interesting.



Especially when you have some Sovereigns to demonstrate with. (Even if they aren't Vickies).

Jackthecat1

Very nice piece of history.

mvs7

Very cool!

Weiss

That is cool. I may need to add one to the collection!

asheland

I like it! Great pics, too!