| A set of scales like these can be picked up at antiques dealers
and fairs for around £25. Individual weights, and sets of weights, can often be bought from online auctions such as Ebay. Car-boot sales and country auctions often bring forth odd items which have come from a set, or whose purpose has been forgotten. Look out for a nice 'mahogany' box, with an interesting label glued to the lid. The label shown here reads: Manufacturers of all kinds of Scales, Scale Beams, Steelyards, Patent Weighing Machines Brass & Iron Weights &c.,&c., BIRMINGHAM There should also be some marks on the beam itself (this one is marked TO WEIGH 3.OZ and AVERY LTD). With some luck, you might get some weights with it - grains, scruples, drachms and pennyweights etc. would be appropriate for a balance this size. |