2002/28

This is a set of scales and weights. It consists of small portable scales with two glass pans (one of which is broken) attached to the cross beam by string. There are 26 flat square weights of various sizes, kept in a brown paper envelope. The set is kept in a rectangular wooden box with a metal-hinged lid. The interior lining is green, and the lid is fastened shut with a brass hook. It was found by the donor at Elphick's veterinary practice in Newcastle when he purchased the practice in 1951. He was a general vet and horse vet, and treated pit ponies in the Northumberland/Durham area until he retired in 1975.

1 set of scales and weights: wood, glass, brass; fair condition - one pan brokenConsists of: 1) Small, portable scales with 2 glass pans (one of which is broken into three pieces) attached to cross beam by green string; balance is of brass, and has piece of maroon-coloured wool and brown string attached to top hook, presumably for hanging/holding; 15cm (length of cross beam); 7cm (diameter of each pan). 2) Twenty six flat, square weights of various sizes; all metal (some of which show signs of corrosion); kept in small, brown paper envelope. 3) Rectangular wooden box with metal-hinged lid which fastens shut by metal hook; dark blue, velvet-lined interior base; small compartment inside in which weights are kept; 17.8 x 9 x 3.6 cm (length x width x depth)

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – 'SCALES AND WEIGHTS // Description // 1 set of scales and weights, consisting of: // 1) Small portable scales with 2 glass pans (one of which is broken into three pieces) attached to cross beam by green string. Balance is of brass, and has piece of maroon-coloured wool and brown string attached to top hook, presumably for hanging/holding. // length of cross beam: 15cm diameter of each pan: 7cm // 2) twenty six flat, square weights of various sizes, made of metal (some of which show signs of corrosion). All kept in small, brown paper envelope. // 3) rectangular wooden box with metal-hinged lid, fastened shut by metal hook. Dark blue velvet lined interior base. Small square compartment inside in which weights are kept. // Dimensions // 17.8 x 9 x 3.6 cm (length x width x depth) // Associated information // See 2002/27', MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) [2002/27] – '... // W. G. Blythman was born in 1926 and trained as a vet at Edinburgh from 1943-48. He purchased Elphick's veterinary practice in Newcastle in 1951 for £1,000. The practice was started by Clement Stephenson in 1918 - one of the first fellows of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Originally, the practice specialised in street horses. It had 10 forges because the business combined a farriery & veterinary practice. // Stephenson financed part of the School of Agriculture at Newcastle University in the early 20th century. He also became Vice-President of the Veterinary Association. // Blythman was a general vet and horse vet. He used to treat pit ponies in the Northumberland/Durham area. He was also a racecourse vet for 44 years. He retired in 1975.', MERL miscellaneous note - 'Collection of veterinary instruments and associated material // Deposited by William Grant Blythman, BSc, MRCVS, on 7th September 2002 // Acc. No. Name of Item // 2002/28(3) Scales and weights (with glass pans)... // These items were found by W. G. Blythman at Ephick's veterinary practice in 1951....'

1918 - 1951

Scales, Weight

Wood, Metal, brass, Glass