Scientific Instruments

Weights & Measures: Scales

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Georgian folding Guinea scales by Daniel Robinson of Prescot, Lancashire, c.1770. Superb condition mahogany case with the original twin weights and paper instructions to the inside of the base. This piece is a variation on the more usual Williamson patent in that it has twin seats instead of one adjustable end. Robinson is a known associate of Williamson. Superb item! Case size approx; 15cm x 3cm x 1.5cm. £325 ($650)

Philatelists Vade Megum by Stanley Gibbons Ltd. London in original fitted box, c.1930. This has to be the ideal present for any stamp collector! Fantastic condition piece in all original condition. The fitted case is lined with blue velvet and the red Moroccan leather covering has gold detailing to the lid. The actual instrument is a combination magnifying glass, tweezers and twin scale for millimetres and inches. I've never seen one of these before. Box size approx; 15cm x 4cm x 2cm. £95 ($190).

Letter scales retailed by the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co c.1900. These are the hanging type with the ring at the top and the clamp at the bottom attached to an inner spring cylinder with a scale calibrated in Oz from 0-10. This piece retains not only the original 2-piece white metal tube case but also the original retailers card box. Great piece. Box size approx: 14.5cm x 4cm x 2cm. £165 ($330)

5-piece Glass Sikes Hydrometers by Thos Armstrong & Bro. c.1875 Superb solid mahogany case with ivory plaque to the lid reading; "Glass Sikes Hydrometers, Thos. Armstrong & Bro. Manchester & Liverpool No.8346. Fitted interior with burgundy velvet to the contact points. All 4 original mercury bulbs are present as is the glass sample jar. Each bulb has a paper scale on it;
Bulb 1 has scale 50-60
Bulb 2 has scale 60-70
Bulb 3 has scale 70-80
Bulb 4 has scale 80-90.
Small piece of wood missing from back right hand edge of box but no structural effect. An unusual set in superb original condition. Case size: 12.5cm x 14cm x 4cm. £325 ($650)
Thomas Armstrong & Brother where Philosophical and Mathematical Instrument Makers working in Manchester and Liverpool from 1875.

Rare 'Oilometer' by Joseph Casartelli c.1860. This ingenious take of a hydrometer is used for testing the poreity of Sperm Whale Oil. Cased set is COMPLETE and in superb original condition. Solid mahogany case with fitted interior lined with green satin and burgundy velvet. Set comprises *Original Instructions* , large glass sample jar, mercury glass bulb with paper scale marked from 5-50 and signed ivory backed thermometer marked from 6-0-8 with ADD and SUBTRACT line for compensations. A scarce instrument in superb complete condition! Case size; 24cm x 11cm x 6cm £425 ($850)

COLOSSAL!! Set of Wm IV brass and bronze cantilever beam scales by "De Grave & Co." London 1835-49. Absolutely stunning set, all original with full set of weights. Total height 58cm, beam width 38cm. £695 ($1390)

De Grave & Co. Scale Makers, worked 1835-49
Succeeded by……..Degrave, Short & Fanner.

Scale and Weight Makers worked 1845-71 59 St. Martin’s le Grand, London
By Appointment to the Royal Mint, Post Office & Assay Office, 1851.
A partnership between Edward Abraham De Grave, William Fanner and ‘?’ Short. The De Grave family were almost a Scale Making dynasty, the first being Charles who worked in London from 1780-99. His wife, Mary, and his sons, Charles and Edward, continued the business. Edward De Grave was apprenticed to his mother, Mary, in 1806, and became a member of the Guild of Blacksmiths in 1813. In 1815 he opened for business as a Scale Maker, working both on his own and in partnership with his mother as ‘De Grave & Son’.
1815-41 59 St. Martin’s le Grand, London.
In 1826 he took his second apprentice, William Fanner. William Fanner finished his apprenticeship with Edward De Grave and opened for business as a Scale Maker in 1836, the same year he became a member of the Blacksmiths Guild.
1836-44 55 Bankside, Southwark, London.
In 1845 Edward De Grave and William Fanner joined forces with Short to provide a wider range of Weights and Measures including balances and chondrometers.

Set late Victorian brass beam scales "Class B to weigh 12oz" with full set of brass jacketed weights. £280 ($560). (Set dismantles into 9 parts) Total height: 44cm, base width 40cm.