George III - Folding Coin Balance > Lot No. 312

Description:
Post-1816 recoinage; circa 1820. A mahogany cased self-raising pocket balance to weigh the gold 'Guinea, Half Guinea, 7 Shillings, Sovereign and Half Sovereign' coins. The case with press catch latch. The balance in brass with hinged pan, integral hinged swivel 'turn' balance weights and fine adjustment slider. Original full labels present for instructions and bearing the well-known maker name 'DE GRAVE & SON Makers London'.

Measurements:
135 x 25 x 15 mm (5¼ x 1 x ¾ inches).

Condition:
Very fine condition; the case of good colour and patina; the mechanism toned.

References:
Cf Houben No. 2.2.1, fig. 154; Sheppard & Musham p. 106 (and No. 223 for another example by this maker).

Comments notes:
The De Grave family started business in England in the 18th century. Unusually, a woman, Mary DeGrave, owned and ran the business with her son, Charles (recorded from another set as Scale Maker at 'Corner of St Anne's Lane, Aldersgate') as De Grave and Son, listed from 1799 to 1844. They became De Grave Short & Co in 1845. W & T Avery bought the company in the 1920s and the De Grave name disappears after 1962. The company made scales and also standard weights and measures for the British and other governments.

Export licence:
No

Estimate: £100 - 150 (EUR 120 - 180; USD 160 - 240)

Auction date: Friday 19th March 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH