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BEAMSCALES & BALANCES

Apothecary's Beam Scale
Beamscales & Balances
These types of scales are often refered to as equal-arm
or beam scales and are some of the earliest scales in existance. This simple scale uses a 'beam' or 'arm' balanced so that equal lengths protrude horizontally off the centre,
with the weighing pans hanging off the ends of the beam, on cords, chains or rods. The unknown quantity to be weighed
is placed in one of the pans and in the other pan are placed weights of a known quantity. When the beam becomes exactly horizontal the correct weight has been calculated.

Large Iron Beam Scale
Above: Antique Apothecary's Beamscale dating from the 1870s.
No makers mark. This brass beamscale is fully complete and in excellent condition;
with original beam, knife-edges, shackles, end-bearings and supporting metal and removable glass pan. When released, the brass lever allows the pans to rest which
reduces the pressure on the knife-edges. The weights are drachm, scruple and grain
weights. For portability the brass scale is removeable from the base and each part is
collapsible; for easy storage the parts are placed in the drawer of the mahogany box.
The base is 10.5 inches (27cm) by 5 inches (13cm) with a depth of 2 inches (2cm) -
the scale has a total height of 12 inches (31cm).

 
Opposite Left: An Iron Beamscale From The Early 1800s
This equal-arm beam scale made of brass and iron has a cranked hanger (the hanger
is the rigid rod hanging from the end of the arm - they can be straight, curved, cranked,
bow or a stirrup hanger). Many later scales of this type have a flat porcelain plate used
to weigh meats or cheese etc in a butchers or grocers shop.
Nottingham County Test Scale Image 2
 Nottingham County Testing Scale

A De Grave, Short, Fanner & Co. Beam Scale Made For Nottingham County Trading Standards Dept. in 1898
This beam scale has been used by trading standards officials in the County of Nottingham since 1898 (and until the late 1950's). This scale was made by
De Grave, Short, Fanner & Co. a company established in 1670 and working out of 13 Farringdon Road, London when this was made. It is clearly marked with a makers label, and 'Notts 173' and has a patent number 4983. On the left of the beam is engraved 'County Of' on the right side of the beam is engraved 'Nottingham'. The wooden storage box and stand for the scales is 24 inches (61cm) long by 11.5 inches (29cm) wide and 3.5 inches (9cm) deep - the entire height of the scale is 25 inches (64cm) tall. On both pans and plaque are several marks of test accuracy compliance 1898 VR - 1905 ER - 1921 GR - 1927 GVR - 1932 GVR - 1936 GVR - 1942 GVIR - 1947 GVIR - 1950 GVIR - 1955 EIIR. this is scale number 173 and all the parts are carefully stamped, including the two pans 173R and 173L (indicating the left and right pans when being assembled). The whole scale collapses down and fits neatly and securely into the wooden box's compartments which is able to be locked shut. It is an expensively and very well made scale, durable, strong and accurate. It has a maximum 7lb weight limit and when released, the brass lever allows the pans to rest, which reduces pressure on the knife-edges.
Museum Beam Scale Pic 1800s Tea Scale
A Small Selection Of The Museum Beam Scale Collection
Iron Tea Scale With Copper Pans From The
Mid 1800s
 
         
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