52/211

This is a set of beechwood scales, consisting of central wooden pillar and cross beam with two weighing pans. They have been in the donor's family in Surrey since at least 1860. They were used to weigh dairy products, particularly butter, so a wood which does not taste was chosen for their production.

1 set of scales: wood [ash, beech]; canvasWooden butter scales made of beech and consisting of a round base and central pillar. The beam passes through a slit in the pillar and is fixed by a pin. The pans have a rim and are suspended from the ends of the beam by three strips of canvas. One pan has a piece of lead fixed to the bottom. The central pillar is a later addition in ash. These scales are not accurate; this may be because of treatment they have had since they were used or it may be deliberate.

1800-01-01 - 1899-12-31

Nineteenth century