Sets of scales with weights, Iran, 1801-1900

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Sets of scales with weights, Iran, 1801-1900. Science Museum, London. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). Source: Wellcome Collection.

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This elaborately decorated box contains three sets of equal balance arm scales and weights. Equal balance arm scales suspend two disk shaped pans off either end of a horizontal pole. The weights in either pan must be equal for the pole to remain horizontal. Ingenious locking mechanisms reveal hidden aspects of the box. A spring-loaded button releases a small removable box containing a tiny set of scales, and removing a delicate pin reveals a hidden mirror. This example of boxed weighing scales dates from 1800s Iran. It was used in the medicine and jewellery trades. Both trades required the precise measurements of goods. maker: Unknown maker Place made: Iran

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