2002/27/1-3

This is a set of scales and weights. It consists of small portable scales with two brass pans attached to the cross beam by string. There are twelve square flat weights, brass-coloured, in various sizes. The set is kept in a rectangular wooden box with a hinged lid. It has a small square compartment inside in which the weights are kept. 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, metal (brass) good condition1) Small, portable scales with 2 brass pans attached to cross beam by dicoloured string; noticeable rust on inside of one pan; 15.5 cm (length of cross beam); 6.3 cm (diameter of each pan). 2) Twelve square, flat weights; brass-coloured; various sizes; kept in clear plastic bag. 3) Rectangular, wooden box with hinged lid and small square compartment inside (in which weights are kept); faded green lining on interior base; lid fastens shut with brass hook; 17.7 x 8.5 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 brass pans attached to cross beam by discoloured string. Noticeable rust on inside of one pan. // length of cross beam: 15.5cm; diameter of each pan: 6.3cm // (2) twelve square, flat weights, brass-coloured. Various sizes. Kept in clear plastic bag. // (2) rectangular, wooden box with hinged lid and small square compartment inside (in which weights are kept). Faded green lining on interior base. Lid fastened shut with brass hook. // Dimensions // 17.7 x 8.5 x 3.6 cm (length x width x depth) // Associated information // for 2002/27-36 (all found at Elphick's in 1951) // 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 // 2002/27(3) Scales and weights (with brass pans)... // These items were found by W. G. Blythman at Ephick's veterinary practice in 1951....'

1918 - 1951

Scales, Weight

Wood, Metal, brass