Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Scale, Balance |
Caption |
Balance scale |
Description |
Antique portable steelyard balance scale with moveable weight. A forged iron balance consisting of a scaled arm suspended off center, a ring at one end on which to hang the object being weighed and a counterbalance at the longer end that can be moved to find the weight. Large weight is loose & has hook for hanging. This steelyard was designed so that it could be turned over for use with heavier or lighter loads. Steelyards were used for weighing just about anything on the farm or by tradesmen. There was simply no better choice for weighing things in the early days of our country (1750-1860s). |
Catalog Number |
1979-1524-001 |
Search Terms |
Steelyards Balance scales Scales |
Subjects |
Scales |