Antique Forged Iron & Brass Balance Callipers/Hooks (C.1760)   

This very early, large, interesting, hand-forged iron and brass instrument with very unusual markings, I believe dates to the late 1700’s. It has a large pair of hook-like callipers attached to, two small moveable brass plates, creating a flexible, expansion joint. This in turn is attached to a short iron rod with a bent hook at the end along with a small brass handle, which is attached to a sliding, adjustable brass plate with five cut-out notches. The instrument has many, very unusual markings around the iron and brass attachments, along with the words ‘PATENTEE’ stamped in numerous places. This instrument could have been used to hold bales or some form of produce and then attached to balance scale. It’s in great condition and measures 53cm in length with a width of 10cm closed and 42cm wide open and weighs 300g.