Antique 19th Century Double Brass Butchers Scales. It has four shallow brass bowls - two small and two large - suspended by decorative link chains, a central column that is topped with a bulls head and a heavy base that holds nine weights that weigh from 10g upto 2kg.

The scales are European, probably Portuguese and in the style of Maco Braga.

Practical and highly decorative, these scales are a kitchen showpiece.

Width: 78 cm

Depth: 30 cm

Height: 120 cm

Date of Manufacture

The Old Yard has dated these Antique Brass Butchers Scales to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1244421

Dealers Internal Reference

5562

Dealers Notes

The photographs form part of the description so please study these carefully to make sure you are happy before purchasing.

If you have any questions or require more photos or a video to help you make a decision please do not hesitate to ask us and we will be more than happy to help.

UK delivery is displayed and usually delivered within 7 business days via a 2 man, door to door courier service. If you are outside of the UK please request a shipping quote .

Description

The scales are European, probably Portuguese and in the style of Maco Braga.

Practical and highly decorative, these scales are a kitchen showpiece.

Width: 78 cm

Depth: 30 cm

Height: 120 cm

Date of Manufacture

The Old Yard has dated these Antique Brass Butchers Scales to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1244421

Dealers Internal Ref

5562

About the Dealer

The Old Yard

Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2021

Antique & vintage furniture, lighting and decorative pieces for your home and garden

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the The Old Yard Profile Page

PDF

SAVE

A 19th-century brass double balance scale featuring a central turned column topped with a bull head finial and four suspended circular weighing pans.

1 / 9

Archive I

Antique 19th Century Double Brass Butchers Scales

Archive II

Archive III

Archive IV

Archive V

Archive VI

Archive VII

Archive VIII

Archive IX

The Old Yard

Telephone 07871 734500

Location

Oswestry
Shropshire
United Kingdom

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/theoldyard

Verified Since Jun 2021

Items For Sale 68

Items Sold 283

Email The Old Yard

Antique 19th Century Double Brass Butchers Scales

Ref: SA1244421

Your Name

Phone (optional)

Email Address

Message

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectBalance Scales
Period19th century
StyleVictorian
MaterialBrass, Steel
ColourWarm Brass
MotifsBull head finial, Double balance beam, Suspended pans, Turned central column

These 19th-century Victorian double balance scales originate from Europe and are made of brass and steel with a warm brass finish. The piece consists of a turned central column topped with a bull head finial, a heavy base holding nine weights ranging from 10g up to 2kg, and four shallow circular weighing pans suspended by link chains from a double balance beam. The construction incorporates stepped mouldings on the base and column. Measuring 78 cm wide by 30 cm deep by 120 cm high, the scales function as a decorative focal point. They are suited for placement on a kitchen island or countertop in a rustic farmhouse interior.

FAQs

Traditionally utilised in Victorian butcher shops and commercial grocers, these double balance scales weighed meat and dry goods using calibrated weights prior to the adoption of digital systems.

Commercial balance scales from this period were primarily crafted from cast and turned brass, often mounted with steel chains or suspensions for long-term structural durability.

Authentic period scales typically display verification stamps, hand-cast assembly marks, natural surface patination, and functional trade motifs such as cast livestock finials.

These scales can be positioned as a focal centrepiece on a kitchen island, sideboard top, or dining table to incorporate historical texture and warm metal tones.

Maintain the surface by dusting with a dry microfiber cloth and applying microcrystalline wax sparingly to protect the metal from oxidisation without removing the natural patina.