Large Antique Copper and Iron Balance Scales

A very large, decorative and unusual set of balance scales in copper and iron, with a wrought iron balance arm and mounting hook, a central cast iron weight and two large copper bowls. Although a functional item, it has been designed and made with thought to its appearance and there are some beautiful details to the cast iron arm. I believe this dates to the early 19th century, though it could be a little older.

I acquired this from a local lady who was downsizing, and she told me that she’d seen it hung in the window of a London antiques shop in the 1970’s and bought it to hang in the large window of the house she had at that time.

It’s a very striking thing, but does need a large space to hang in (and also a sturdy hook to hang from as its quite heavy). I can see it used as a shop display item in a greengrocers or bakery, as I think it would have been used to measure out either vegetables or flour/grain - it seems too large to have been intended for measuring anything more delicate such as spices, but that’s my guess only and I can’t say for sure what its use would have been.

This was broken down to its component parts when we got it, and it was difficult to reassemble, so we will ship it assembled so it’s ready to hang up without any difficulties.

Condition: The previous owner had the copper bowls cleaned by an antiques restorer, so they are nice and bright without having lost their character. The iron parts have slightly different levels of wear/patina, but are all in good condition. One copper bowl has what looks like a lead patch on the underside - I assume this was to adjust a slight discrepancy in the weight of the bowls. It is in full working order, and overall in very good condition.

Dimensions:

Overall height including hook - approximately 127cm

Maximum width across the copper bowls - approximately 97cm

Width across the balance arm - approximately 62cm

Diameter of the copper bowls - approximately 34.5cm

Free UK delivery - the item will be sent using a tracked and signed for service. If you would like a quote for delivery elsewhere please get in touch.

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This is an antique item and as such may have signs of wear in accordance with its age. Anything that we think is of note will have been mentioned above, but please study the photos carefully to satisfy yourself as to its condition as it is not possible to list every little mark or flaw. We are happy to provide high resolution photographs or videos if required, and answer any questions you may have - just get in touch! We accept returns for all items providing the item is returned in the same condition as when it was sent. The cost of any return postage or delivery is the responsibility of the buyer, unless the item has arrived damaged or has not been described accurately.