Historical information
These scales are a common type which would have been used in an industrial, farm or produce merchants of the day. many items were sold in bulk with little packaging. With a top weight of 30 lb, items weighed would have been bulky type items.The Avery company manufactured weighing equipment and scales from the 1730's.
Significance
Scales of many different descriptions were used in sales over the years and these are a good example.
Physical description
These scales are painted black with a circular plate which is slightly dished. it has three chains attached to a metal bar at the top which is serrated and has a counter weight on it. Another attachment to the bar has the hook from which it would hang.
Inscriptions & markings
The number 1 is on the counter weight.The serrated bar has graduated markings on it in half pound increments up to 30 lb. Avery Ltd to weigh 30 lb is stamped at the end of the bar.