Set of coin scales, weights in wooden box
Date1702-1707
Maker
Richard Brocke
fl. 1681 - 1707
OriginEngland, Chester
MediumFruitwood (?) case; iron/steel beam; brass pans; silk cord; brass weights
DimensionsCase: OL: 5 1/2 in.; OW: 2 in; OH: 1 1/8 in.
Beam: OL: 4 1/2 in.; indicator/needle tip to axle: 1 in.; shears to axle: 1 5/16 in.
Pans: Diam.: 1 7/16 in. each
Beam: OL: 4 1/2 in.; indicator/needle tip to axle: 1 in.; shears to axle: 1 5/16 in.
Pans: Diam.: 1 7/16 in. each
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2003-129,A-E
DescriptionA) Case is oval in shape, with incised and punched geometric decorations, brass wire hinges with iron hasp; hook is missing. Engraved rectangular label on inside of lid, "Richard/Brocke/Scalemak/er from/London/[Liu]eing/[...]the/Bridge/Geate/Chester" surrounding the coat of arms used by Queen Anne between 1702 and 1707, with leafy border.There are also barely legible ink inscriptions on inside of lid on either side of the label.
B) Money scales with beam of round section terminating in swan's neck beam ends; round iron/steel indicator rises from center of beam between hinged shears with hook on top, to which is attached silk tassel; two circular, dished unmarked pans, suspended by three lengths of silk cord from beam ends (silk cord may be replaced).
C) Two sheet brass weights, one 9/16 in. diam. with two punch marks indicating 2 grains and the second approximately 11/16 in. square with a set of four punch marks in each corner, indicating 4 grains.
D) Two circular brass weights as follows: 1) Obv. CAROLVS.REX surrounding profile portrait of king; Rev. Crown over .XX./.S. [20 shillings or £1 in gold]; 2) Obv. LVD.XIII.D.G..FR.ET.NAV.REX surrounding profile portrait of king; Rev. 3 fleur-de-lis above I/PISTOL/W [for the French pistole coin]
E) Set of troy brass cup weights in 5 pieces (post-1878)
Mark(s)Engraved rectangular label on inside of lid, "Richard/Brocke/Scalemak/er from/London/[Liu]eing/[...]the/Bridge/Geate/Chester" surrounding the coat of arms used by Queen Anne between 1702 and 1707, with leafy border. There are also barely legible ink inscriptions on inside of lid on either side of the label.ProvenancePreviously owned by H. Slaets, according to query to "Equilibrium" in 1998 (see "Publication References").
