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Two Old (Assay?) Scales?

Something I know zero about. Not sure what you boys and girls can tell me from the pictures:

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    HemisphericalHemispherical Posts: 9,370 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Is there a data/manufacture plate on the case?

    Does it still work? Looks like you are only missing two weights?

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    ReadyFireAimReadyFireAim Posts: 1,860 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 20, 2018 3:51AM

    @Sheldon_Overton_Baby said:
    Something I know zero about.

    My chemistry teacher would harshly correct anyone using the term "scale" to refer to a balance.
    Scales use springs and balances compare mass.

    I'm not that pedantic but watch out :#

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    Namvet69Namvet69 Posts: 9,411 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Someone needs to find makers mark, patent stamp, or any other identifying info. Nice looking travel balance beam. Peace Roy

    BST: endeavor1967, synchr, kliao, Outhaul, Donttellthewife, U1Chicago, ajaan, mCarney1173, SurfinHi, MWallace, Sandman70gt, mustanggt, Pittstate03, Lazybones, Walkerguy21D, coinandcurrency242 , thebigeng, Collectorcoins, JimTyler, USMarine6, Elkevvo, Coll3ctor, Yorkshireman, CUKevin, ranshdow, CoinHunter4, bennybravo, Centsearcher, braddick, Windycity, ZoidMeister, mirabela, JJM, RichURich, Bullsitter, jmski52, LukeMarshall, coinsarefun, MichaelDixon, NickPatton, ProfLiz, Twobitcollector,Jesbroken oih82w8, DCW

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    mr1931Smr1931S Posts: 7,157 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Probably not old American since the weights are in "Grams"? Should be Troy weights if old American.

    “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” – William Arthur Ward
    This quote reminds us that change is inevitable, often necessary, and can be a catalyst for growth. Adapt. Self-reflect. Be proactive.

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    ReadyFireAimReadyFireAim Posts: 1,860 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 20, 2018 4:50AM

    @mr1874 said:
    Probably not old American since the weights are in "Grams"? Should be Troy weights if old American.

    My great uncle taught chemistry around 1950 and I had one of his mass sets...It was in grams.

    Helpful hint...Balances can be used on other planets or moons & are just as accurate.
    Scales require correction factors and can be inconvenient.
    They are also immune to gravity surges if that's a problem where you live.

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    thebeavthebeav Posts: 4,109 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I can't see enough of the first one, but the second one is not 'old'. At least, in the way we think of old.
    I've sold quite a few balances, and they really need to be 'special' in some way in order to get as little as 150.00 out of them. I'm not seeing it in these.

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    rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Nice set... I found a mini set of old weights at a local school flea market three years ago.... in great condition/all there, in a wooden container (like above) and I picked it up for a couple of dollars...Cheers, RickO

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    CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 34,044 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @ReadyFireAim said:

    @mr1874 said:
    Probably not old American since the weights are in "Grams"? Should be Troy weights if old American.

    My great uncle taught chemistry around 1950 and I had one of his mass sets...It was in grams.

    Helpful hint...Balances can be used on other planets or moons & are just as accurate.
    Scales require correction factors and can be inconvenient.
    They are also immune to gravity surges if that's a problem where you live.

    I used to suffer from gravity surges every Monday morning before I retired!
    o:)

    Numismatist. 54 year member ANA. Former ANA Senior Authenticator. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and ANA Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Also won the PNG's Robert Friedberg Award for "The Enigmatic Lincoln Cents of 1922," Available now from Whitman or Amazon.
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    ZoinsZoins Posts: 34,489 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 20, 2018 9:33AM
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    ReadyFireAimReadyFireAim Posts: 1,860 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 20, 2018 3:22PM

    Any antique balance capable of reliably detecting a difference between a genuine coin & a counterfeit one would be enclosed in a glass box and have a whole bunch of stuff written all over it. If that's what your going for, I'll try and find a picture.

    Here you go...Believe it or not, we still used these things in 1990 in quantitative analysis.
    (My professor was older than dirt so that may have been why)

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    RogerBRogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Merchant portable balance. Common and worth little even if complete and is perfect condition. Still manufactured and used in rural middle eastern, African, and Asian markets.

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