Description

Steelyard scale. This balance scale is black cast iron and has 3 hooks and a hanging weight. The big hook in the back is used to hold the items being weighed. The one of the other two hooks is used as a balance point. The choice of which hook to use depends on the size of the item to be weighed. The other end consists of a rod with a hanging weight that slides along the length. The rod is numbered in pounds. The weight and counterbalance end are painted red.
These scales were often made by local blacksmiths.