Large 19th Century Bronze Balance Scale

Price: $980

Large 19th Century Bronze Balance Scale is a wonderful example of European mercantile history!  Hand-crafted from solid bronze in an elaborate design to exude quality and refinement, it was intended for an upscale establishment that still required the weighing of its products for the purposes of assessing and selling in quantity.  Mounted upon a wooden plaque with sumptuous veneer top, it consists of a center pedestal in an elongated urn form transitioning into the mechanism above that combines a lyre-shaped form crowned by an intricate pendulum mount topped with a spire finial.  The pendulum mount holds a fancy girder which in turn supports the two cradles, on one side with a solid, uniquely designed mount for a removable pan, and the other side with a pan affixed with linked chain.  Weights of a known calibration would be placed on one side, and the product to be sold on the other to guarantee accuracy.  Proudly made by W & T Avery of Birmingham, England.  W & T Avery Ltd. (later GEC Avery) was founded in the early 18th century and took the name W & T Avery in 1818.  Having been taken over by GEC in 1979 the company was later renamed into GEC-Avery. The company became Avery Berkel in 1993 when GEC acquired the Dutch company Berkel. After the take over by Weigh-Tronix in 2000 the company was again renamed to be called Avery Weigh-Tronix with Avery Berkel continuing to operate as a brand. The company is based in Smethwick, West Midlands, United Kingdom.
Circa 1860s
Measures 29H x 21.5W x 11.5D