William III - Boxed Coin Scales and Weights > Lot No. 311

Description:
1694-1702 AD. The mahogany box of rectangular shape with rounded corners with top lid hinged and with original hook-and-eye latch; the lid blind stamped on both sides, with the inner lid surface bearing the original ornamental engraved paper label of 'Weston Gomers att the Falcon & Scales in Rood Lane near Billingsgate makes all sorts of Scales Weights Beames & Stillards London'; the body of the box hollowed from the solid to hold the balance and weights with a lidded compartment for the fractional sheet weights; the balance comprising a fine steel balance arm and suspension (lacking the suspender tassel) with the two brass scale pans suspended by the original green cords; the brass weights for milled silver coins of VS, ½C, XIID and VID (crown, halfcrown, shilling and sixpence) and for the milled Guinea; with fractional sheet brass weights punched for 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 pennyweights (some bearing a lion verification stamp). An excellent set.

Measurements:
120 x 55 x 25 mm (4¾ x 2¼ x 1 inches).

Condition:
The box very fine with attractive colour and patina; the balance beam with slight surface oxidation, the weights very fine and better; the guinea weight pierced & plugged for adjustment.

References:
For the scales - cf Sheppard & Musham; for the weights - Withers p. 114 (weights for silver coins) and no. 1180 (for the guinea weight with note regarding adjustment by piercing & plugging).

Export licence:
No

Estimate: £200 - 300 (EUR 240 - 360; USD 320 - 480)

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