Two rare Benjamin Martin ivory coin scales, English, circa 1775,
one stamped Martin fecit No. 272, the other Martin Fecit 3984, one with ivory beam calibrated on one side in 3d steps from 3s 6d to 21s and on the reverse in 6d steps from 22s to 36s, brass sliding weight and blued steel pointer, lacking coin clip, the other lacking sliding weight and coin clip but similarly scaled, in fishskin covered case pocket case, the beam 6in (15cm) long (2)
Sold for
£2,750
inc. premium
Footnotes
- For similar scale, see inventory no. 35041, The Oxford Museum of the History of Science.
See Retailer of Science, Benjamin Martin's Scientific Instrument Catalogues, 1756-82 by John R Millburn. Page 45 item 125, "Portable steelyard for weighing gold 5s 9d".
Category: Collectibles / Scientific Instruments
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