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History of Science Museum

English Dotchin or Steelyard Balance, by Benjamin Martin, London, c. 1770

Inventory Number 47052


Acknowledgement: © History of Science Museum, University of Oxford, inv.47052

Item type
Object
Provenance
Purchase.
Primary inscriptions
"* B: Martin *" [engraved on the ivory beam].
Object type
Balance
Inventory No
47052
Accession Number
1949-38

Description

Ivory beam balance with brass pan and four brass waver weights embossed with a crown and dots to indicate weight. The beam is calibrated with two scales: 0-40 by ones and 0-80 by ones; its sliding counterpoise is missing. Balance in form of a Roman steelyard, probably to simulate yje Chinese dotchin. In shaped black fishskin case lined with (faded) red plush.