The instrument is in a fitted case which is covered in embossed leather. A paper label on the top of the carries case the inscription 'Wiedeman's Stilliard' handwritten in ink

Wiedeman's steelyard, 1750-1765. This device is a thick strip of steel bent into an approximate circle. A steel pointer is attached to one end of the circle and passes through a slot in the other in such a way that if a heavy weight is suspended the ends are drawn apart and the pointer moves over a brass scale on the other side of the circle. The brass scale is marked on both sides: one side is in pounds, the other is in degrees. The instrument belonged to the Duke of Cumberland.