Mini Scale for Sorting Yarns and Fibers. England, XIX Century. Complete and in case.

Rare yarn assorting balance quite small in size, made in Manchester, England in the 19th century. The balance, a rare and precise article, comes in its original case with three weighing plates to identify the yarns. It is made of golden brass with a series of chromed rods designed to use and regulate the balance. It is in quite good condition and is a very original and curious piece worthy of a museum of strange antiques. The cases lid is engraved with an inscription in golden lettering that describes the instrument and reproduces the manufacturer s or original distributors name: YARN ASSORTING BALANCE J. CASARTELLI & SONS 43 MARKET STREET MANCHESTER. Yarn assorting balances are similar to classic Roman scales. This one is composed of a vertical pole that stands on a base and holds an oscillating rod. This rod is balanced by another vertical one with a brass ball at its lower end. We know that the yarn to be weighed must hang from one of the horizontal rods ends, but we do not know how to use the brass plates with the different weighs that would indicate the material the yarn is made of. This balance is a very simple design, but there were more developed models that could also determine the yarns quality depending on their specific weigh. The metal plate attached to the top of the balance bears an engraved inscription: Made by J. Casartelli & Sons Manchester. The three brass plates that come with the scale are square in shape and in different sizes in order to establish distinct weighs. The bigger one is nº 1 and corresponds to cotton, while nº 2 is middle-sized and goes with wool. The third plate is the smallest one and weighs the same as linen. All the plates bear the engraved manufacturers name and city. Its rarity and attractive design turn this small yarn assorting balance into a very charming item that will complete a good collection of curious antiques. Measurements: Width: 2.7 in/6 cm. Height: 2.3 in/6cm.