Miscellaneous

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Lot 1489    SESSION 6 (9.30AM WEDNESDAY 29TH MARCH)    Miscellaneous

Estimate $150
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $90

CHINESE "OPIUM" SCALES, these are also a type of steelyard scales, described below, pan diameter 72mm, as stored with a wooden box in the shape of a fish or vioin, lot includes a lead weight for counterbalance. Very fine and rare being intact.

Ex Patrick J. O'Rourke Collection.
They have one pan suspended from an unequal ivory arm, and a brass, lead or metal weight for counterbalance. A load is put on the pan and then the weight is moved a long the arm until the scale is balanced. These scales are usually found inside a wooden box, with the distinctive shape of a fish or violin (as in the above example). These scales originated in China and were first mentioned in western literature in the 17th century, as Dotchin scales. They were used to weigh silver, gold, gems, and medicinal powders.

Estimate / sale price does not include buyer's premium (currently 22% including GST) which is added to hammer price. All bids are executed on the understanding that the Terms & Conditions of sale have been read and accepted. For information on grading and estimates please refer to the Buying at Auction advice.

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Adjacent lots

  • Lot 1487  

    TIBET, silver scroll weights. Extremely fine. (2)

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  • Lot 1488  

    CHINESE "OPIUM" SCALES (2), a type of steelyard scales, as described above in the footnote, ...

    Estimate $150

  • Lot 1489   This lot

    CHINESE "OPIUM" SCALES, these are also a type of steelyard scales, described below, pan diameter ...

    Estimate $150

  • Lot 1490  

    CHINESE "OPIUM" SCALES (2), a type of steelyard scales, as described above in the footnote, ...

    Estimate $100

  • Lot 1491  

    CHINESE "OPIUM" SCALES (2), a type of steelyard scales, as described above in the footnote, ...

    Estimate $100