Beam Balance

Goods hung from one arm and weights from the other, and the pointer showed when both sides were equal.

Date: 1780 - 1820
Place: United States
Dimensions: overall: 2 5/8 in x 28 1/4 in x 7 5/8 in; 6.6675 cm x 71.755 cm x 19.3675 cm
Museum: National Museum of American History
Credit line: Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Arthur M. Greenwood

Equal-arm beam balance with a rectangular suspension clevis having a swivel hook and lower clevis with tiered drops, tapered square-section pointer topped by a ball finial, and flat, tapered arms terminating in pierced crook ends. Underside peaked at fulcrum. Overall red paint decoration, including stylized flowers or sunbursts and squiggles on both sides of arms. Beam only; no hooks or pans. No marks.

The museum's own record (Smithsonian, National Museum of American History)