1st May, 2000 12:00
Instruments of Science and Technology
183
A 17th Century Merchant's Scale and Weight Box
Merchant's Scale and Weight Box.
Netherlands, Circa 1660.
With 13 coin weights in original carved wooden case, with decorated cover.
Measurement: 3 x 12 x 6,5 cm.
catalogue Note: For centuries, the actual weight of a coin mattered, not just the design stamped on it. Merchants would not accept a coin without first verifying its weight, as bits of precious metal could easily be clipped off by people looking to save money. Highly precise scales were made specifically for the purpose of checking coin weights. They were small and easily transportable so merchants could take them with them as they traveled. From the Byzantine period onward it was popular to keep the sensitive scales and their accompanying coin weights together in a small box. Between the 16th and early 19th centuries, wooden boxes like the one in our collection were particularly popular in Europe. The boxes were designed to fit each component of the set perfectly and were small enough to fit into a merchant’s pocket.
Estimate: 100-150
Sold for €520
Merchant's Scale and Weight Box.
Netherlands, Circa 1660.
With 13 coin weights in original carved wooden case, with decorated cover.
Measurement: 3 x 12 x 6,5 cm.
catalogue Note: For centuries, the actual weight of a coin mattered, not just the design stamped on it. Merchants would not accept a coin without first verifying its weight, as bits of precious metal could easily be clipped off by people looking to save money. Highly precise scales were made specifically for the purpose of checking coin weights. They were small and easily transportable so merchants could take them with them as they traveled. From the Byzantine period onward it was popular to keep the sensitive scales and their accompanying coin weights together in a small box. Between the 16th and early 19th centuries, wooden boxes like the one in our collection were particularly popular in Europe. The boxes were designed to fit each component of the set perfectly and were small enough to fit into a merchant’s pocket.
Estimate: 100-150
Auction: Instruments of Science and Technology, 1st May, 2000
Hessink's proudly presents the sale of a fine single owner collection of Instruments of Science and Technology. The sale offers you a great opportunity to purchase beautiful selection of globes, microscopes, telescopes, medical, drawing, surveying and navigational instruments from famous instrument makersfrom the 17th to the 20th century.
