Chinese steelyard balance, 19th century

Chinese ivory steelyard, 19th century, with compound counterbalance weight in wooden case. Beam 12.7" long, fittd 3 cord fulcrums, marked with 3 sets of scales, with brass ring and pointer equilibrium indicator; 3 1/4" circular brass pan and small goods hook

Chinese steelyard balance with ivory beam, brass pan and counterpoise, dated to the19th century. Commonly called dotchins these scales are usually stored in wooden cases shaped like a banjo. Working on the lever principle the dotchin operates by moving the rectangular counterweight along the beam until the item being weighed is horizontal and hence in equilibrium. The weight is determined by the position of the counterpoise thread against the lines and divisions marks on the balance beam.

Details

Category:
Weighing & Measuring
Object Number:
1939-321
Materials:
ivory, brass (copper, zinc alloy) and wood (unidentified)
type:
dotchin and steelyard
credit:
Dr W.L.Hildburgh

Parts

Ivory steelyard, with compound counterbalance weight, China, 1800-1899

Ivory steelyard, with compound counterbalance weight, China, 1800-1899

Chinese ivory steelyard, 19th century, with compound counterbalance weight. Beam 12.7" long, fittd 3 cord fulcrums, marked with 3 sets of scales, with brass ring and pointer equilibrium indicator; 3 1/4" circular brass pan and small goods hook

Materials:
ivory and brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
1939-321 Pt1
type:
dotchin and steelyard
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Wooden case, for Ivory steelyard, China, 1800-1899

Wooden case, for Ivory steelyard, China, 1800-1899

Wooden case for Chinese ivory steelyard, 19th century, with compound counterbalance weight.

Object Number:
1939-321 Pt2
type:
instrument cases
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum