Antique Portable Scale for Jewelry Box or Pharmacy, Ppios. 20th Century

This lovely piece is an antique precision scale, probably used by pharmacists or jewelers. This is a delicate and precise antique which was made in the early 20th century and remains in very good condition. The scale is mounted on a solid mahogany wooden chest and is composed of a series of brass and silvery metal component parts, all of them original from the period. Inside the wooden chest there is also a complete set of weighs and micro-weighs (metal plates weighing less than one gram). When we open the chest we find the scale, carefully dismantled and stored in a gap carved in the thick wooden base. The gap contains the beam and the pans. In order to use it, the chests top must be vertically disposed; the beam should be fitted at the top of the pillar attached to the inside of the cover. The bowl-like pans suggest that the scale could have been part of a jewelers equipment, though it could also be a pharmacists scale. Both the golden brass and the silvery-metal pans remain in great condition: they look even, shiny and with no traces of rust. The brass beam bears two engraved inscriptions: CLASS B 10 WEIGH 100 CM. The weigh set that comes with the scale is composed of six bronze weighs stored in their respective holes, drilled in the wooden base. It also contains four micro-weighs hidden into a drilled compartment with metal lid. The mahogany wooden chest is also very well preserved, with its original satin finish and showing with no relevant flaws. This antique portable scale is an exclusive piece for the collector, with a striking decorative beauty and a remarkable functionality. Measurements: Depth: 7.8 in / 20 cm. Height: 6.2 in / 16 cm.