1. NAMAZGA (Afghanistan) site of Davlatabad c. 2000 BC. a lapis lazuli carving of an astragalos (or knucklebone) used as a gaming piece or weight. (12.92 gm) = shekel? L: 25 mm.   view image   $300
The astragalos has a long history throughout the Greek period as a child's game piece-- similar to jacks and the ball in the ball and jacks game of modern times. The shape was also employed as a weight by the ancients. Lapis lazuli was rarely used in any case.

2. JUDAEA, c. 800 BC, a domed limestone weight (8.74 gm) with vestiges of the symbol for shekel on top of dome, base flat. This is a "light" shekel. Cp. Munz Zentrum, XXXVII, Teil 2, #4049 for clearer shekel symbol. Rare.   view image   $250

3. GREECE, Stone mastoid weight (Pentelic) c. 500 BC. from Athens or Corinth, sites where these weights in marble were used. This eight mina example is of rectangular form with two hemispheric domes connected with a handle. These rare weights were used in major temples, i.e., the Parthenon in Athens, to weigh gold offerings dedicated to Athena. See Lang, Weights & Measures. pp. 36-37, Nos. SW 6 on plate 11. See also Houben, 5000 Years of Weights, p. 13. Dimensions: Base: 101 x 190 mm, 67 mm. thick and 100 mm. high. Weight is 3.5 kilos and it is not inscribed. Minor chips, intact and exceptional.   view image   $3750
We have seen three (one in a Swiss Collection, another in an American Collection and this piece) in forty years of working with ancient weights, and this example was the most complete and desirable. This is a most important ancient weight!

4. GRECO-ROMAN, c. 100-300 AD. a rectangular lead weight with a raised (D) delta. The back side is plain. A choice piece. (37.33 gm) cp. Munz Zentrum op. cit. 4113.   view image   $150

5. ROMAN, c. 200 AD. a steelyard bell shaped weight with unusual hallmark stamped on it. The bottom of the bell-shaped looped weight depicts two standing females on each side of a large storage vessel. The figure on left holds a spear the other with cornucopias. Above the bowl: a horse's head. The storage vessel has three decorations in relief. Ex Malter Auction No. 29 July 2000. H: 6 cm.   view image   $1000

6. BYZANTIUM, c. 650-800 AD. a square copper weight with each side slightly curved. A delta design consisting of seventeen drill marks is the only design. (14.79 gm). Ex Linville collection #38.   view image   $50

7. BURMA, Burma, prior to the16th century, a bird weight, well-worn with stone (pegmatite core). The outer copper "skin" is thin and can be clearly seen on this rare example. Around the dense round base are impressions of early script. A bird called a "hentha" sits in roosting posture. It has a very thick tail. The hentha became the most frequently used animal on this long series of so-called "opium weights." See Donald and Joan Gear, Earth to Heaven, plate 8. H: 3". See also See also Houben, op. cit. p. 47. Extremely rare and desirable, but well-worn.   view image   $1500

8. BURMA, c. 1800-1850, a larger than usual hentha weight with a knobbed loop extending from the bird's head to its tail. (Perhaps for use as a sliding weight on a steelyard scale.) The base has ten sides and is decorated. H:13 cm.   view image   $900

9. BURMA, c. 1800 -1850. A lot of 3 opium weights in the form of bird-like creatures called henthas. H: 4.5-6 cm. Gear, op. cit. pl. 21.   view image   $100/3

10. BURMA, c. 1800 -1850. A lot of 3 opium weights in the form of bird-like creatures called henthas. H: 5 cm. Gear, op. cit. pl. 21. This group in need of cleaning. They were bought on the Chinese market.   view image   $175/4

11. BURMA, c. 1800 -1850. A set of four smaller hentha weights similar to above lot. H: 2-4 cm.   view image   $100/4

12. BURMA, c. 1800 -1850. A lot of five smaller hentha weights similar to above lot. H: 2.7-4.3 cm. They were bought on the Chinese market.   view image   $125/5

13. BURMA, c. 1800 -1850. A larger hentha weight similar to above lot. H: 6cm. This example worn smooth with years of usage.   view image   $50

14. BURMA, c. 1800 -1850. A lot of two opium weights in the form of lions or beasts. Gear, pl. 53, right side. H: 6.6 cm (worn) and 5 cm (sharp) the taller one with ring for steelyard.   view image   $125/2

15. BURMA, c. 1800 -1850. A lot of two opium weights in the form of lions or beasts. Gear, pl. 53, right side. H:4 cm.   view image   $50/2

16. BURMA, c. 1800 -1850. A two pound weight in the form of a beast with steelyard loop. H: 10.8 cm. See Gear, pl. 53, right side. A nice example.   view image   $125

17. BURMA, c. 1800 -1850. A lot of seven opium weights in the form of an elephant, one example with long trunk, wearing bridle; another with smaller trunk and no bridle. Similar sizes. H: 4 cm. See D. Gear, Earth to Heaven, p. 259, plate 61; along with a set of five elephants in graduated sizes. H: 1.8-3.3 cm; all on four steps. A nice group with even signs of wear.   view image   $200/7



18. The collection consists of five larger Henthas with loops. Ten elephants with trunks turned up; four looped. Twelve smaller animals, snakes, rabbits, etc. Six peacocks. Six elephants. Six frogs. Ten prancing horses. Six snails. Ten elephants with their trunks up. Six henthas. Six donkeys. Six elephants with trunks up. Six seated monkeys. Six looped henthas. Two sitting tigers, tails up; two reclining tigers, 3 gilt henthas. Ten elephants with interconnecting trunks. Six turtles. Six interconnected elephants, Eight seated Buddhas. Six prancing horses. Six fish. About 145-150 pieces all in need of being published. For sale in one lot to highest bidder. Total weight, about fifty lbs.   view image   $600+/150



These are marvelous brass weights made by the "lost wax method" of casting. The collection was formed by the late Dr. A. Montanari of Miami Beach and Ocala, Florida. Most of the weights he assembled while he was in Monte Carlo many years ago. The first part of this run is Montanari's. The other lots are from other consignors. The two "Akan" tribes that made the following weights were the Ashantis and Baules. The Baule lived mainly in the Cote d'Ivoire and the Ashanti lived in the Gold Coast (Ghana.)

19. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1890, a brass equal arm four inch balance scale with matched round two inch brass pans with original stringing in need of repair. . See G. Niangoran-Bouah, The Akan World of Gold Weights, vol. I, pp. 76-77 for various beams.   view image   $75

20. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1890, a brass equal arm balance scale with twisted six inch beam matched round two inch brass pans with new string in need of installation. See G. Niangoran-Bouah, The Akan World of Gold Weights, vol. I, pp. 76-77 for various beams.   view image   $75

21. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1890, a brass spoon or saawa "used to carry gold dust to the scale in a financial transaction." This fine early example with the handle ornamented with designs engraved with a chisel. L: 11 cm. See Niangoran-Bouah, ibid, p. 78 No. 1.   view image   $100

22. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1890, a lot of two brass spoons or saawas, one of which is more of a scoop, the other with an elaborate sculpted handle similar to Bouah, op. cit. P. 79. L: 11, 9 cm.   view image   $125/2

23. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1820-1890, a fine brass gold dust box, a Koudouo, with incised designs throughout, nice old patina, and the obvious look of years of handling but, alas, no gold dust left. H:11.5 cm. See Bouah, vol. II, p. 17 in which the author calls this a sankofa or cosmetic box. They are found with gold weight paraphernalia and were certainly used to contain gold dust.   view image   $200

24. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a lot of fifty-two small "geometric" weights in square, triangular, rectangular and pyramidal shapes. Each with different designs designating different weight values. See. T. Garrard, Akan Weights and the Gold Trade, pl. 41. See Houben, op. cit., p. 41.   view image   $250/52
These lovely small weights were collected in West Africa by a missionary by the name of Longbottom. They came to Dr. Montanri through the auspices of Dr. Timothy Garrard, the author whose work is cited here.

25. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a lot of seven mostly larger than the above "geometric" weights in different shapes. Each with different designs designating different weight values. See. T. Garrard, Akan Weights and the Gold Trade, pl. 42   view image   $150/7
Two of the larger weights are partially hollowed out to adjust the weight.

26. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a direct casting of an insect by the lost wax process, in this case a wood beetle, a djabwa L:4.9 cm. A perfect replication of the insect. See Bouah, vol. III, p. 205.   view image   $100

27. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a direct casting of an insect by the lost wax process, in this case a locust, L: 5 cm. This is an excellent and most realistic casting. See Garrard, p. 291, pl. 46.   view image   $100

28. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a direct casting of a stone crab claw. L: 4 cm. See Garrard, p. 291, pl. 46. Bouah, p. 103. See also Houben, op. cit. p. 41.   view image   $100
These crab claws were made famous by the Miami Beach restaurant called Joe's Stone Crab.

29. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a lot of two direct castings: a seed pod and a peanut. L: 6, 4 cm. See Garrard, p. 290, pl. 45.   view image   $75/2

30. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashante Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a very unusual casting of a mouse eating a direct casting of a peanut. The mouse was rendered by the typical lost wax method. The peanut shows far more grain than the specimen above. L:6.3 cm. Rare!   view image   $300

31. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a lot of four different scimitars; one with two baboon heads, another with a small starfish, and two smaller plainer examples. L: 7-10 cm. See Bouah, vol. II, pp. 140-142. A very nice lot of four.   view image   $200/4

32. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a fine Ashante weight in the form or a stool with five legs. W: 3.5 cm. See Bouah pp. 150-151.   view image   $50

33. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a fine Ashante weight in the form or a ritual adze. L: 6.5 cm.   view image   $50

34. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a fine Ashante weight in the form of a bowl with sun symbolism. The lot comes with a round finely designed weight which may have been used as a cover. Top quality native workmanship on both pieces. D:4.5 cm. See Bouah vol. II p. 36, 154.   view image   $75/2

35. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a lot of two brass weights in the form of knots, one the nyansa po or knot of intelligence that we sometimes refer to as the Gordion knot. See Bouah vol. II pp. 162-163.   view image   $75/2

36. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a fine Ashanti weight in the form of a winged ornament; along with a rectangular lid of a box and a charm in the form of an animal's hoof. See Bouah vol. II p. 175 for the ornament weight.   view image   $75/3

37. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. two fine Ashantl brass weights in the form of a European flint-lock rifle. L: 6-7 cm. Very well-made weights. See Bouah, vol. III, p. 245.   view image   $175/2

38. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. an outstanding sculpture of a native man seated on a stool-like saddle atop a standing leopard. The man holds a bird in his left hand and a knife in his right. H: 9 cm. The leopard has many incised circles. This is an unpublished piece of great charm.   view image   $400

39. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a lot of five brass weights each with a bird, some examples with two birds. The smallest bird has the head of a serpent holding on to its breast. L:4-4.5 cm. Bouah vol. II pp. 84-86. Choice lot.   view image   $275/5

40. WEST AFRICA, IVORY COAST (COTE D'IVOIRE), Baule Tribe, c. 1900-1925, a lot of three similar bird weights with a darker patina typical of Baule weights. L:4.5 cm. Bouah pp. 84-86.   view image   $100/3

41. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a fine small weight in the form of an antelope with a screw-shaped creature called a caprine atop. W: 4 cm. See Bouah vol. II, p. 71 top left figure. See also Houben, op. cit. p.42.   view image   $75

42. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a lot of two finely made crocodile weights. L: 5.5 cm. Bouah p. 93. Superb!   view image   $150/2

43. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a lot of five different coiled serpents, three of which are normal types with snake heads on top of coil, one small serpent has fastened on to a bird, and the fifth is a very stylized serpent whose coil is one football-shaped blob. L: 3-6 cm. Garrard, op. cit. pg. 293 (bottom) and pg.. 296 for snake and bird. See Bouah, II, p. 97.   view image   $175/5

44. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a lot of two brass fish weights. The fish appear to be in the grouper family. L:8.3 cm. Garrard, p. 292. Plus a fine small mudfish.44.4 cm. Top quality Ashanti weights!   view image   $200/3

45. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a finger ring in brass, size 11 with a standing chameleon atop. Wearable.   view image   $75

46. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a very well sculpted seated monkey, holding a round piece of fruit, his tail up, left hand is down. His left eye has two eye balls, his right eye is normal. The piece itself is extraordinary, and may have been intended to be an art piece in its own right and not a weight. Since it was collected as a weight by Dr. Montanari, we leave it here. H:5 cm.   view image   $500

47. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a lot of three unusual weights, one a man holding what looks like parts for a big gun, a step pyramid weight with a spiral atop and an elaborate double gong. See Bouah III p. 254 for double gong. H: 2.8-5 cm.   view image   $100/3

48. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a lot of three standing workers on platforms (bases) one holding a pot over his head, another with his left hand to his mouth and the third holding a pounding stick. H: 4-5 cm. Garrard p. 298. A choice lot.   view image   $275/3

49. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a really great weight cast in the form of a bearded chief, wearing a loincloth, sitting on a throne chair; his arms above his head. He has an absolutely devastating smile H: 7.4 cm.   view image   $400

50. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a lot of two workers standing on small platforms, one engaged in cutting a tree, the other holds a bowl. Nice delicate early castings. H:4 cm. Garrard, p. 298.   view image   $100/2

51. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1720-1900 AD. a lot of three workers none of which have bases; one engaged in smoking a pipe while carrying a rifle, one with his arms stretched out in front, and the third, an acrobat in an impossible contortion.. Nice delicate early castings. H:3- 4 cm. Garrard, p. 298.   view image   $100/3

52. WEST AFRICA, IVORY COAST (COTE D'IVOIRE), Baule Tribe, c. 1900-1925, a choice weight depicting a bearded musician standing over a pair of drums. H: 8 cm. A thicker and heavier technique than on the Ashanti Tribal weights.   view image   $300

53. WEST AFRICA, IVORY COAST (COTE D'IVOIRE), Baule Tribe, c. 1900-1925, a weight depicting a musician standing over a pair of drums, all on a base. This piece from the Montanari Collection. H: .6 cm. Bouah III, p. 251. Somewhat crude.   view image   $100

54. WEST AFRICA, IVORY COAST (COTE D'IVOIRE), Baule Tribe, c. 1900-1925, a choice weight depicting a buxom woman seated cross-legged wearing only a loin cloth attempting to string a musical instrument. H: 5 cm. Top quality!   view image   $150

55. WEST AFRICA, IVORY COAST (COTE D'IVOIRE), Baule Tribe, c. 1900-1925, a standing bearded warrior wearing a crested helmet and nothing else; his arms to his sides. H:10.5 cm. An impressive weight.   view image   $150

56. WEST AFRICA, Senufu Tribe, c. early 19th century a lot of two "bush spirit" twins on trapezoid shaped plates, their arms forming circles around their necks. These objects are not related to the Akan gold weights although they can be used as such. They are contemporaneous "charms" used by the Senufo. These two items got into the "dja" or gold weight pot. H: 5.5 cm. Collectable and rare. Garrarrd's description.   view image   $300/2

(End of Montanari Collection.)

57. WEST AFRICA, Senufu Tribe, c. early 19th century a lot of six smaller "bush spirit" twins on trapezoid shaped plates, H: 3-4 cm. All ex Dr. Garrard.   view image   $500/6

58. WEST AFRICA, IVORY COAST (COTE D'IVOIRE), Baule Tribe, c. 1900-1925, a choice weight depicting a man climbing a tree. H: 7 cm.   view image   $250

59. WEST AFRICA, IVORY COAST (COTE D'IVOIRE), Baule Tribe, c. 1900-1925, a choice weight depicting a coiled serpent with its fangs out. See G. Niangoran-Bouah, The Akan World of Gold Weights, vol. 11, and P.286. L:7.4 cm.   view image   $175

60. WEST AFRICA, IVORY COAST (COTE D'IVOIRE), Baule Tribe, c. 1900-1925, a choice weight depicting a double-headed rooster with one body. See Bouah, ibid.   view image   $150

61. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1875 A weight in form of man wearing a brief waistband holding a flintlock rifle . H: 5.4 cm. See T. Garrard, Akan Gold Weights, p.306 for weapons on weights.   view image   $250

62. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (COTE D'IVOIRE), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1875-1900, a fine weight with a man wearing a brief waist band holding a struggling fish atop his head. H: 5.6 cm, on its own sand. Ex missionary collection. See T. Garrard, Akan Gold Weights, p. 297.   view image   $125

63. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1875-1900, a fine weight with a man wearing a brief waist band holding a jug atop his head with left hand, his right hand holds a staff. He smokes a pipe. H:6.3 cm, Ex missionary collection. See T. Garrard, Akan Gold Weights, p. 297.   view image   $125

64. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1875-1900, a fine weight with a man wearing a brief waist band holding a dagger in both hands. H: 5 cm. See T. Garrard, Akan Gold Weights, p. 297.   view image   $125

65. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1875-1900, a fine weight with a man wearing a brief waist band holding a snake in both hands. H: 5.6 cm. See T. Garrard, Akan Gold Weights, p. 297.   view image   $125

66. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1875-1900, a fine weight with a man wearing a brief waist band holding a post in both hands. H: 6 cm. See T. Garrard, Akan Gold Weights, p. 297.   view image   $125

67. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1900-1925 , a fine large weight with a canoe with three passengers similarly attired as previous lots. The front and rear person are rowing, the central figure holds a bowl. Two stabilizers below the canoe allow it to "sit" right. Dimensions: L: 12.5 cm. H: 5 cm. See Naouh op. cit., p. 113. Choice!   view image   $350

68. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1900-1925 , a fine large weight depicting a mudfish. L: 10 cm. See T. Garrard, Gold Weights, p. 293.   view image   $75

69. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1900-1925, a fine small standing brass lion. L: 4.5 cm.   view image   $65

70. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), Ashanti Tribe, c. 1900-1925, a double scimitar. L: 8 cm. See T. Garrard, Akan Gold Weights, p. 306, top of fig. 57.   view image   $50

71. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), a lot of seven Ashanti brass castings for use as gold weights. The lot consists of five geometric weights, one a large pyramid shape, a pair of bottles or drums (see Garrard pl. 59), and a peanut all cast by the lost wax method. See T. Garrard, Akan Gold Weights, p. 286.   view image   $100/7

72. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), a lot of two standing men with their left hands to their heads, one holding a bar, and both holding staffs in rt. hands. H: 5 cm.   view image   $125/2

73. WEST AFRICA, GOLD COAST (GHANA), a lot of three Ashanti brass castings for use as gold weights. The lot consists of a chameleon, crocodile and a four-pronged comb. Dim: 4-9.8 cm.   view image   $100/3

74. WEST AFRICA, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, Akan Tribes, 19th century, an elaborately hand-carved lidded box made to hold a hand held balance scale with all copper parts, simple string and five geometrical weights all of which appear older than the box. D: 17.5 x 8 x 5.3 cm. See Timothy F. Garrard, Akan Weights and the Gold Trade, London, 1980. p. 179 for the apparatus for gold weighing. This best reference on African gold weights!.   view image   $450

75. WEST AFRICA, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, Akan Tribes, 19th century, a handsome hand-carved lidded box made to hold a hand held balance scale with all copper parts, simple string and ten small geometrical weights all of which appear older than the box. Dim: 16.5 x 6.5 x 2.6 cm. Garrard, pp. 280-81 for weights he dates back to pre-1720.   view image   $350

76. WEST AFRICA, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, Akan Tribes, 1875-1935 a rectangular lidded dja box with a bas relief mudfish atop the lid. On the panels around this ornate box are facing masks between pairs of box turtles. The forms that appear on the geometric weights are utilized to fill spaces on this remarkable piece. The lid fits flush over the top of the box. There are casting imperfections, but it is obvious that the lost wax process was used in the manufacture of this box. There is a light green patina consistent throughout the box. When obtained there was a worn copy of Charles Ratton';s booklet, Fetish Gold inside the box. It is included in this lot.   view image   $1000



These coin-like squares and roundels were used in scale boxes to balance against the various gold coins in circulation.

77. England, Edward III/Henry IV, 1351-1412, square uniface pewter weight for a gold noble with stylised ship. Weight: 7.1 gm. or 109 1/2 grains. P & B Withers, British Coin Weights, No. 48, plate piece, ex Jim Noble Collection #405, ex. N. Mills, lot 5. Patinated and worn. Rare. Graded fine by Noble.   view image   $125

78. England, Edward III/Henry IV, 1351-1412, square uniface pewter weight for a quarter noble with stylized ship and reverse countermark.. Weight 1.7 gm. Withers #66 this piece, ex N. Mills lot 7., Noble #407. Fine and very rare.   view image   $125

79. England, Edward IV, after 1471, representational uniface round weight in bronze for a noble with ship left and a lis and lion in left and right upper field, with central round mark. 6.5 gm. Withers 173a, this piece! Ex N. Mills, lot 14, Noble 412. VF and rare.   view image   $125

80. England, Edward IV, after 1471, representational uniface round weight in bronze for a quarter noble stylized ship composed of five layers of "bricks". 1.6 gm. Withers 175c this piece.Ex N. Mills Lot 15, Noble 413. VF and very rare.   view image   $125

81. England, Edward IV, 1464-1470, representational uniface round weight in bronze for a half ryal gold coin with figure of king holding sword and shield on a ship. 58 gr. Withers 200b, this piece. A sharp VF and rare.   view image   $200

82. England, Edward IV-Henry VIII, 1464- 1545, representational uniface round weight in bronze for a gold coin known as "Angel" with St. Michael on obverse. 4.54 gm. Withers 229a, this piece, Ex N. mills, lot 23 and Noble 425. Dumpy flan, very Byzantine in appearance and rare.   view image   $135

83. England, Edward IV-Elizabeth I, 1464- 1602, representational uniface round weight in bronze for a half angel with St. Michael on obverse. 2.3 gm. Withers 234b, Ex N. Mills lot 26, Noble 428. Nearly VF and rare.   view image   $75

84. England, Henry VIII, c. 1525, a representational uniface round weight in bronze for a Charles VII half ecu with a crowned shield with three lis. 1.4 gm. Withers 301b this piece, ex. N. Mills, lot 50, Jim Noble #434. Good fine and rare.   view image   $50

85. England, James I, bronze round weight struck c. 1632. Second coinage revaluation 1612 of a rose ryal with dies done by Briot. 13.82 gm. Withers 710 this piece. EF and rare this nice, perhaps the best known example. Ex O. F. Parson Collection, Baldwin's Sale No.12, lot1021.   view image   $300

86. England, James I, bronze round weight struck c. 1632. Second coinage revaluation 1612 of a spur ryal with dies done by Briot. 7.0 gm. Withers 712 this piece. EF and rare this nice, perhaps the best known example. Ex O. F. Parson Collection, Baldwin's Sale No.12, lot1022.   view image   $300

87. England, James I, bronze round weight struck c. 1632. of a gold angel with St. Michael killing a dragon with dies done by Briot. 4.6 gm. Withers 717 this piece. EF and rare this nice, perhaps the best known example. Ex O. F. Parson Collection, Baldwin's Sale No.12, lot 1023.   view image   $300

88. England, James I, bronze round weight struck c. 1632. of a gold half angel with St. Michael killing a dragon with dies done by Briot. 2.3 gm. Withers 749 this piece. EF and rare this nice, perhaps the best known example. Ex O. F. Parson Collection, Baldwin's Sale of12, lot 1023.   view image   $100

89. England, James I, bronze round weight struck c. 1632. of a gold quarter angel with St. Michael killing a dragon with dies done by Briot. 1.15 gm. Withers 766 this piece. EF and rare this nice, perhaps the best known example. Ex O. F. Parson Collection, Baldwin's Sale of12, lot 1023.   view image   $100

90. England, James I, round weight, struck c. 1632, third coinage, dies by Briot, for a spur ryal. 6.35 gm. Ex Withers 893, this piece. Reverse lightly toned, good extremely fine and very rare thus. Ex O. P. parsons lot 1028.   view image   $300

91. England, Charles II, 1660-1685, excellent portrait of the king. For a gold unite, 8.4 gm. Withers 1081, This weight is finer than the Withers example. Ex C. K. Welch collection and J. Noble lot 466. Choice EF and extremely rare.   view image   $600

92. England, (for Portugal) 1748, a round brass weight. Obv. IN HOC SIGNO VINCES 1748, voided cross./A MOIDORE in ornamental round cartouche. (910.71 gm). Withers #1486. A choice uncirculated example.   view image   $75

93. England, (for Portugal) c. 1747, a round copper weight with laureate head r., IOAN.V.PORT.REX. 1747 KIRK below truncation/THIRTY SIX SHILLINGS within a crowned ornamented cartouche.(14.24gm). Withers #1531 variety. Sharp VF.   view image   $60

94. England, (for Portugal) c. 1748, a round bronze weight with laureate head r., IOAN.V.PORT.REX./FOUR/SHILLINGS/AND SIX/PENCE. (1.80 gm). Withers #1556. EF. A very attractive small weight.   view image   $50

95. England, (for Portugal) c. 1748, a round bronze weight with same design on both sides: THREE POUND TWELVE in a crowned ornamented cartouche. (28.65 gm). Withers 1613. VF+. A very attractive larger weight.   view image   $70

96. England, (for Portugal) c. 1748, a round bronze weight with same design on both sides: EIGH=/=TEEN/SHILLs within ornamental cartouche with a gargoyle mask atop. (7.14 gm). Withers #1620. XF.   view image   $30

97. England, (for Portugal) c. 1748, a round bronze weight with same design on both sides: EIGH=/=TEEN/SHILLs within ornamental cartouche with scallop atop. (7.13 gm).Withers #1621. XF.   view image   $30

98. England, George III, 1760-73, guinea wt. Countermark, ewer. (8.25 gm). Withers1610. VF+.   view image   $30

99. England, George III, 1760-63, Thirty/six/ shillings in cartouche on both sides. (14.20 gm).Withers 1617. VF. Equivalent to a Portuguese 1 Joe.   view image   $45

100. England, George III, 1760-63,S/18 on both sides, half Joe. (7.13gm).Withers 1676c. VF.   view image   $15

101. England, George III, 1760-73,half guinea wt. S.D. 10. 6 on both sides. (4.17 gm).Withers 1714g. AU.   view image   $25

102. England, George III, 1760-73, 36 shillings, same inscription both sides. (14.29gm).Withers 1750b. VF.   view image   $40

103. England, George III, 1773-75, 36 shillings weight made by Berry of Birmingham. (2.63 gm) Withers 1751i. VF.   view image   $15

104. England, George III, 1773-75, half guinea brass weight (4.13 gm). Head of George III to r./Ewer countermark, inscription. Withers #1893G. VF.   view image   $30

105. England, George III, 1771, similar with ewer countermark. (4.14 gm). Withers 1948G. EF.   view image   $15

106. England, George III, 1771, raised design with no countermark , D G/5/8/. (8.28 gm) Withers 1959. VF.   view image   $25

107. England, another, similar. (2.02 gm). Withers 2020U. AU.   view image   $25

108. England, Royal Mint Weight, 1821 for half sovereign. (3.95 gm) Withers 2251b. AU.   view image   $25

109. England, Royal Mint Weight, 1821 for half sovereign. (3.91 gm) Withers 2251b.VF+.   view image   $20

110. England, Royal Mint Weight, 1843 current weight for sovereign; along with a W & T Avery weights for half sovereign. W. 2258a, 2264b. VF.   view image  $50/2

111. Ireland, George II, 1737, a round brass weight for a moidor; 6 dwt 22 gr. Harp/Shield. (10.68 gm) Withers 2715. About VF.   view image   $45

112. France, Aquitaine, c. 1450, a hexagonal copper uniface weight (3.26gm) for a salut d'or, with a portrait of a crowned bearded king facing left, "I" to his left, "A" behind. Unpublished and rare, only fine.   view image   $75

113. France, Louis XIII, c. 1620 for Louis d'Or (6.47 gm) Cross/Crown over XI d I g. Dieudonne, Manuel des Poids Monetaires, Pl. III, 26/28. F/VF. Needs cleaning.   view image   $35

114. France, Louis XIII, c. 1620 for Louis d'Or (6.46 gm). Laur. head of king r./Cross. Dieu. Pl. IV, 12. VG   view image   $20

115. Italy, c. 1780, brass uniface weight for a Spanish doppia (13.48gm). DOPPIA SPAGNA around arms of Spain. Unc.   view image   $40

116. Italy, Lombardy-Venetia, Franz II of Austria for Milano, 1792-1800, brass weight for gold sovrano, SOVRANO ABOVE RMS, UNIFACE. (11.08 gm).Dieudonne, Pl. XI, 13. A superb weight,   view image   $50

117. Italy, Parma, c. 1785-1797, brass weight for half doppia, (3.56 gm), MEZZA PARMA, arms/blank. Cp. Dieudonne, XV, 4. Superb.   view image   $30

118. Italy, Sardinia, Vittorio Amadeo III, c. 1780, uniface brass weight for double of Savoy (9.11gm), DOPPIA DE SAVOIA around Crowned eagle. Dieudonne, pl. XIII, 19. EF.   view image   $35

119. Italy, Vatican, Pope Innocent XIII, c. 1721, Papal arms with eagle./DOBLA/DI/ ITALIA. (6.59 gm). Dieudonne, Manuel des Poids Monetaires, Pl XII, 20. EF.   view image   $45



120. Russia, before 1800, a bronze dome-shaped master cup missing all weights. Fine patina. A rare item. This shows Byzantine influence. See also Houben, op. cit. 66, # 3, 11, 10.   view image   $500

121. Russia, c. 1835, a set of brass nested weights, (missing only the smallest weight). The master cup is hall-marked under the lid. Height: 6 cm. There are four weights plus the elaborate master cup. Choice quality and very rare.   view image   $500

122. Germany, c. 1840 a complete set of "Nuremberg" type nested weights with four cups and central plug. H: 2" Average quality.   view image   $250

123. Germany, c. 1840, a lot of two brass nested "Nuremberg" type nested weights, both missing their central weight. One is dated 1840. Nice examples. H:2.5-4cm.   view image   $200/2



124. England, c. 1850, a set of six stacked brass weights marked AVERY Ltd. The smallest weight is 1 oz, the largest is 2 lbs. Each weight neatly stacks leaving the margin which is the edge of each weight. Used in British post offices.   view image   $100

125. England, c. 1850, a set of nine stacked brass weights. The smallest1/4 oz weight is marked AVERY. The smallest weight is 1/4 oz, the largest is 4 lbs. The weights show considerable usage with many adjustment stamps.   view image   $150



126. Roman, c. 100 AD. a small steelyard beam without chains. There are two loops for suspension hooks. L: 8.5 cm.   view image   $125

127. Roman, c. 400 AD. a simple equal arm beam scale with small round scyphate-shaped pans connected to the beam with fine round link chain. The beam ends with a loop on each end to which the links are connected. W: 15 cm. There is a central pointer and a fulcrum handle which is looped and suspends on what appears to be the original bronze weighted stand. H: 13 7 cm. Interesting and rare with nice light green patina.   view image   $500

128. Byzantium, c. 1000 AD. a bronze steelyard balance. This lovely green patinated beam is 44 cm in length. The ball-shaped lead weight lacks the original ring to attach itself to the beam. A four sided knob ends the beam which is incised with clear value lines and a partial inscription: T L CON POU. The CON may stand for Constantinople. One hook is attached to an iron ring which may be a later addition.   view image   $1000

South America

129. Peru, Northern Coast, Moche Culture, c. 500 AD. a finely carved wooden balance beam in the form of two jaguar heads with one head on each terminal joined by a serpentine body with five undulations. The center of the beam has a perpendicular hole for the fulcrum string. An angular hole pierces each end for the ties to the pans now missing. D: 15.5 x 1.8 cm. Cp. Villa Hugel, Peru durch die Janrtasusende. Rare and choice.   view image   $1000

130. Peru, Northern Coast, Moche Culture, c. 800 AD. an extraordinary balance beam with a silver seated figure with loop on top of his head. Below, a carefully incised three step pyramid from which undulating serpentines line forms five loops. The end loops were used to tie the pan strings, now missing. The fulcrum string went through the top loop. D: 3.6 x 4.5 cm. A later similar but more detailed Lambayeque Culture example balance was shown in a Cologne exhibition by Kremayr & Scheriau, April 11, 1987 item No. 3.75, Unique!   view image   $1750

131. Peru, Northern Coast, Chimu Culture, c. 1000-1400 AD. a rectangular wood beam carved in bas relief on both sides with same design of two seated monkeys, facing each other with their heads tilted back toward their raised curled tails. D: 6 x 4.6 cm. The carved panels are very well preserved; the top of beam has deteriorated. The holes for the tie strings are clear. No strings or fabric remain. See Lothrop, Bliss Collection of PreColumbian Art, pl. 138 for a complete scale and a more sophisticated rectangular beam.   view image   $500

132. Peru, Northern Coast, Chimu Culture, c. 1000-1400 AD. an "A"-shaped wood beam carved in relief on both terminals with same design of a monkey walking on all four legs on the extended legs of the "A".. Each head faces outward on opposite sides of the beam. The beam was grooved for shell inlays with only two still in position. . The holes for the tie strings are clear. No strings or fabric remain. D: 8 x 2 cm. A beautiful and humorous specimen of a very early scales. Nothing quite like this example in the skimpy literature on the subject.   view image   $1000

133. Peru, Northern Coast, Chancay Culture, c. 1000-1400 AD. a rectangular wood beam carved in bas relief on both sides with same design of a single bas relief fish in each of four panels. This remarkable scale beam still has the original strings and very small "pans" made of wood. When held aloft the beams are in perfect balance. Only the smallest of items such as a gold bead could be weighed on such a balance. One wonders about what type of weights, aside from seeds, were used. D: 11.4 x 1.4 cm (beam); diameter of pans: 1.2 cm. Cp. H. D. Disselhoff, p. 294 for style.   view image   $1500
We have sold complete Chimu scales before but the "pans" were always of fine netted fabric.

134. Peru, Chimu, c. 1000-1400 AD. a miniature mother of pearl beam decorated with three inlaid circles. This tiny beam is holed for a fulcrum as well as for the pans. This must have been a funerary votive gift. L: 19 mm; H: 10 mm. Rare!   view image   $200

135. Afghanistan, c. 1840, a jerry-rigged powder scale with ivory balance beam, a chevron decorated ivory or bone tube used to hold gunpowder and an elaborate plumb weight with detailed Islamic calligraphy as the portion balance. A small silver Hyderabad coin sits on the beam's fulcrum. This is a one of a kind scale. Dimensions: beam10 cm long, powder cup 7 cm and the weight6 cm. The weight is carved from hemitite. Rare!   view image   $450

136. Ottoman Empire Steelyard, c. 1700, a steel beam, length 30 cm with barely discernible incised lines marking values on the beam. The beam ends with a small open-work cartouche There are two long chained hooks in suspension and single hooks above and below the fulcrum. with Kurkman, Ottoman Scales and Weights, No. 196.   view image   $375

137. Ottoman Empire Steelyard, c. 1800, a steel beam, length 49 cm with incised lines marking values on the beam. The beam ends with a crescent shaped design. A lead-filled bell-shaped sliding weight is attached to a ring clasp which slides up and down the beam. A large iron hook is atop the beam and two similar hooks all connected to iron chains with another two hooks all the same size complete the apparatus. Two of the hooks are attached to iron folding harnesses. Compare with Kurkman, Ottoman Scales and Weights, No. 198 for a similar scales.   view image   $500

138. Ottoman Empire Steelyard, c. 1800, a steel beam, length 39 cm with incised lines marking values on the beam. The beam ends with an open-work cartouche. This example has one hook to hold the balance and one in suspension with a sliding bell-shaped weight and a single hook which was probably attached to a three chain suspension pan now missing. The apparatus is still workable as is. The weight is attached by a worn bronze loop. Compare with Kurkman, Ottoman Scales and Weights, No. 200.   view image   $350



139. France, c. 1795, a coin scale with an equal arm balance with a steel beam 13.5 cm. in length. The round pans 5 cm, are copper. The set comes with two sets of nested weights marked on the top edges of the cups is LIVRES on one set and FRANCS on the other. There are two compartments for fractional weights. One lidded compartment houses three fractionals. The other is empty and missing the lid. Inside the top lid is a clear printed label giving the weights in three columns for various current coins. It also lists the maker's name, Hamelin. The oval ended box is 19 cm wide 5.8 cm deep and 2.5 cm thick. Both hasp locks work.   view image   $600

140. France, c. 1795, a coin scale with an equal arm balance with a steel beam 13.5 cm. in length. The round pans, 4.2 cm, are copper. The set comes with a set of nested weights marked on the top edges of the cups: II * ** ****. There is one compartment for fractional weights. The lidded compartment houses four fractionals. Inside the top lid is a clear hand-written label giving the weights for various current coins. The oval ended box is 19 cm wide 6 cm deep and 2. cm thick. The box has a nicer finish than above lot.   view image   $500

141. France, c. 1825, a coin scale with an equal arm balance with a steel beam measuring 14 cm. in length. The pans are copper and measure 5.3 cm in diameter. There are eight knobbed brass weights from fifty grams down to one gram. A wood slide conceals several fractional weights. Inside the top lid is a printed label with three columns of coin weights in livres and francs as well as some foreign coin weights. The lid lists the maker as Me`canicien. The box is rectangular with squared off corners. The top has a "T"-shaped flat handle. Dim: 16 cm x 7.5 cm x 3.3 cm. Both hasp locks work.   view image   $400

142. Germany, Nuremberg, c. 1750-1770, a fine boxed scales with eight square knob handled brass weights, all with coin designs by the knobs. Weight designs are cross of Jerusalem, cross pontecee, Imperial orb and St. Ladislaus. For the doubloon, 1/2 to 2 pistols, gold guldens and gold ducats Inscription inside lid "RECVT ABGEZOGEN" = Properly Adjusted. The round pans are of copper, the fine beam is of steel. The pans are hall-marked. The red painted wooden box has three inlaid painted artistic scenes of a musician, two men and a woman strolling by a tree and another partial musician. This style of decoration which is contemporary to the manufacture of the box is very seldom seen. Dim: 15.5 x 6.4 x 2.3 cm. With two hook hinges. Complete and choice.   view image   $1500

143. Germany, Berlin, c. 1850, a leather boxed coin scale with thirty-six round knobbed weights each hall-marked and labeled for a specific coin value set in red velvet. The silver equal arm beam measures15.5 cm. The flat pans are 4.5 cm. Both hasp locks work. Dim: 21.5 cm x 14.3 cm x 2.2 cm. The leather is dry and needs proper cleaning. Scales like this with the full complement of weights are very scarce.   view image   $1750

144. Germany, Berlin, c. 1850, a leather boxed coin scale with sixteen round knobbed weights each labeled with a coin denomination. The weights and scale are set inside a chamois lining. The copper scale beam is 17 cm. in length. The round pans are also copper. The box is missing one hasp lock and the leather is a bit threadbare. Dim: 19.5 cm x 9.3 cm x2.1 cm.   view image   $250

145. Great Britain, c. 1790, a small shagreen box with single top hasp housing a small steel balance and three Owens brass guinea weights with four fractional brass weights. A rectangular ivory lid conceals the weight compartment. See Withers, op. cit. #1712 c, g, j for the weights. Dim:11 cm x 6 cm x 2 cm. A delightful box with virtually uncirculated weights.   view image   $300

Lots 146-149, NO LOTS.

150. Holland, Amsterdam?, c. 1650, a rectangular tooled wooden boxed coin scale with round and triangular pans. The steel balance beam is12 cm. in length. The pans are 4 cm in diameter and 3.7 cm in length and are unmarked. The strings are missing. There are ten square brass coin weights each in its receptacle on the bottom level, and in the lid there are twelve additional square coin weights secreted behind a wood slide. There is also a slide over the receptacle for the three fractional weights. There is no label, but there are traces of ink written words inside the slide, and the base has some engraved letters: A s S Dim: 14.8 cm x 8.4 cm x 2.8 cm. A single hasp locks the box on top.   view image   $1000

151. Italy, c. 1800, a rectangular boxed scale with a fine set of fifteen round brass coin weights set in eight round compartments in a chamois lining. The copper beam is 15.5 cm in width and the copper pans are 6 cm in diameter. Both hasp locks work.   view image   $450

152. Ottoman Empire, c. 1875, a nickel, tumbril counterfeit detector. There are seven spaces for the current coins to be balanced. L; 9 cm.   view image   $ 200

153. England, c. 1800, a japanned oval box with guinea weights and an equal arm balance. The beam and box are of iron, the pans are copper as are the weights.. W: 12 cm.   view image   $175

154. England, C. 1850, a brass "rocker" for sovereigns and half sovereigns. With the original box, maker: Smith's. Scales virtually mint., box is VF. L: 10 cm.   view image   $195

155. England, C. 1850, a brass "rocker" for sovereigns and half sovereigns. With the original box, maker: Simmon's. Scales virtually mint., box is Fine. . L: 10 cm.   view image   $175

156. England, C. 1850, a brass "rocker" for sovereigns and half sovereigns. With the original box, maker unlisted. Scales virtually mint., box is VF. . L: 10 cm.   view image   $195

157. England, circa 1795-1798, an all brass self rising boxed counterfeit detector, signed Wilkinson for the half Guinea and Guinea. It is in excellent working condition with the original paper instructions still very clear and easily readible This nice and hard to find scale would enhance any collection.   view image   $350

158. United States, c. 1870, a brass counterfeit coin detector manufactured by J. ALLENDER. This instrument had five places for each of the current American gold coins, which were the $1, $2. 50, $5, $10 & $20. With use of a small counterweight, each coin had to balance on the scales' counterpoise or else be deemed a fraud. There was a slot to test for each coin's thickness as well as weight. This scale was stamped J. ALLENDER PATENT PENDING. L: 21.5 cm. Perfect condition.   view image   $475





159. China, c. 1650-1750 AD. a very rare all silver steel-yard scale complete with hall-marked rectangular weight. The round pan has a scalloped rim which is incised giving it the appearance of a flower. In the center of the pan are three Chinese characters. L: of beam: 21 cm. D: of pan: 4.5 cm. The prototype for the later "Dotchin" scales, this example without a violin-shaped box.   view image   $750

160. China, 19th century. A typical "Dotchin" violin shaped wooden box scale with ivory beam and brass rectangular weight. The round brass pan has several hallmarks. L: 33.5 cm. The box lid is also engraved with calligraphy. A complete example.   view image   $150

161. Burma, c. 1850, An unusual boxed opium scale with equal arm balance. The beam measures 17.5 cm. in length. Each terminal ends in an arrow shape. The copper round pans are 7.5 cm. In diameter. The wooden box is in two parts; the base holds the scale with the beam in the long receptacle, the pans and the pointer are housed in a grooved circular compartment. The elaborate top fits over the bottom and is held in place with a cord now missing. The top is nicely carved with a reclining beast similar to those on opium weights. Slight wear on sides of box, an exceptional scale for this series.   view image   $350

162. England, c. 1900, a yarn scale contained in a leather covered box and presented in a red velvet cushioned box. The apparatus has its own weighted stand with a scaffold to attach swatches of yarn that are measured by four square metal templates that accompany the instrument. The top lid is embossed George Thomas $ Co. Manchester with YARN ASSORTING BALANCE above. Dim:15.3 cm c 8.4 cm x 3 cm.   view image   $150

163. England, c. 1920, another yarn scale. This one is labeled Blackburn's Yarn Balance, John Nesbitt, Limited, 42 Market Street, Manchester. Similar but slightly larger and fresher than above. Dim: 17 cm, 10 cm x 5 cm. See Essener Waagen Auktion, III May, 1984 lot122   view image   $200

164. Germany, Frankfurt am Main, c. 1900, a boxed pocket diamond scale complete with all the carat weights (and a shovel tweezers inside the brown box lid. Dim: 13.5 cm x 7 cm x 2 cm.   view image   $100

165. United States, c. 1890-1910, a fine glass encased equal arm balance diamond scales made by Becker Brothers of New York, their trade name etched in a rectangular piece of ivory at the base of the beam The round pans with small handles are 3.7 cm. In diameter and appear to be silver. The pans sit on brass apparatus attached to the equal arm balance which is very delicately made. The front of the scales has a moveable window to enable the jeweler to place his gem on one pan and the proportionate weights on the other. A large drawer holds some diamond carat weights several tweezers, a jeweler's tool, etc. The dimensions are: W: 30 cm, H: 28 cm. D:13.3 cm. The sliding window has an ivory handle. This item is intact and virtually perfect. Its small dimensions make it displayable on a desk or small cabinet.   view image   $750

166. United States, c. 1900, a small boxed steelyard scale. The box holds the scaffold for the stand to be screwed into the base and the steelyard hangs from the scaffold. Two sliding counterweights are provided. The leather box is stamped FAIRBANKS, and one hasp lock is at the top center. Dim: 19 cm x 110cm x 2.8 cm closed.   view image   $100

167. Russia, dated 1866, a large equal arm beam scale with two round pans suspended by three heavy link chains. The beam has gotten quite rusty. This piece makes a nice out door display piece as is. L: of beam 32", D: of pans 12." Some Cyrillic script is legible on beam. An extra large weight is attached.   view image   $100
A proper cleaning would enhance this scale's appearance.

168. Canada, 19th century all iron steelyard scale complete with two scaffold hooks below and one above the beam. The sliding round steel weight is unmarked. The 45 cm. beam is neatly marked with fifty notches and numbered 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 along the notches. The attribution to Canada is based on where the scale was acquired-"deep into the plains…"   view image   $75



169. Great Britain, c. 1863, made by Parnell, London, and marked with Hall's Patent. This brass hand-held scale comes complete with the original plush box. Cp. Essener Waagen Auktion, 1984, lot 107. Dim: 13.5 x 8.2 x 1.5 cm.   view image   $275

170. Great Britain, c. 1875, a fine British "Roberval" type postal scale with all brass fixtures including the five piece stacked weights. There is an ivory label warning of costs above 12 oz. that is attached to the base. Dim:21 cm x 11 cm x 11 cm. The pan for the weights is grooved concentrically for each of the five different weights.   view image   $350

171. Great Britain, c. 1880, a similar postal scale all in polished brass with a seven piece central stack of postal weights from 4 oz. down to a half. Width: 20 cm. Choice.   view image   $350



172. China, 19th century lot of three wooden rulers each with inlaid silver markings. L: 13+ inches. W: 5/8". Very fine.   view image   $100/3

173. China, set of 18th-19th century wooden printing blocks, comprised of forty-eight individual wood type piece with raised Chinese calligraphy on one side of each block. They are all nugly arranged within a wood frame which measures12 x 9.5 cm. Cp. Christie's Los Angeles, October, 2001, #16 for a similar but larger set.   view image   $150

174. England, late 18th early 19th century shagreen boxed complete set of drafting tools including a folding ivory sector, ivory parallels, an ivory scale ruler, a brass protractor, and six brass compasses and writing instruments. All pristine in an equally choice contemporary sharkskin box. H: 7" (box). An exceptional set! Cp. Hambly, Drawing Instruments, p. 80 X.   view image   $1000

175. England, c. 1850. Boxwood ruler for determining scale on maps. This 6" x 2" surface is heavily inscribed with three different scales of miles. Some inscription is rather cryptic such as 1 kilometre = 1000 metres = 1094 yards = 0.62 miles (= 5/8 mile nearly)   view image   $150

176. England, c. 1875, a silver three inch ruler with a sliding marker which is decorated by a rosette.   view image   $75

177. France, c. 1790's, a fine folding brass T-square sector made by Quillet of Paris. The piece is inscribed "Demi Pied de Roi". Rare and quite nice. Folded length 7." A beautiful instrument. Cp. Hambly, fig. 100   view image   $500

178. France, c. 1790's, a fine folding brass equal part sector made by Quillet of Paris. Folded length 7". A beautiful instrument. Cp. Hambly, fig. 100   view image   $750

179. United States, c. 1880, a fine wooden stereoscope with brass and ivory fittings. Expensive features like a felt bottom, decorated brass hasps, and glass lenses. Base measures: 16" x 9.5". Over fifty old stereo pictures of floral, architectural, and pastoral scenes accompany this lovely useable instrument.   view image   $650/lot



180. Indo-Persian Zodiacal Astrolabe, unsigned in ferrous metal; the 19 cm. Diameter mater graduated around the edge and with various decoratively engraved motifs; the reverse with pictoral representations of the houses of the Zodiac; the decorated throne with suspension loop, the rete with broad decorated edge band and some blunt star-pointers, the single plate with decorated edge and concentric circles engraved on both sides, each with the center point starting at three-quarters of the way across the diameter, with alidade, pin and horse-shaped awl contained in the original 19th century embroidered pouch. See Christies, Los Angeles, October, 2001 auction. This piece. Choice and rare so complete. See Gunther book on Astrolabes to be auctioned off later in this sale.   view image   $2500

181. Persian, late 19th century brass astrolabe, the instrument is complete with four marked plates, with the highly decorated outer rete. The signs of the zodiac are carefully incised on the back side of the astrolabe indicating its primary function was soothsaying and not navigation. D: 14 cm. The alidade, the pin and horse-shaped awl are in situ. There is a readable Hegira date of 1303 in the upper cartouche above the Zodiac, making this piece datable to 1885 A. D. Choice condition.   view image   $1000up

182. Persian, late 19th century brass astrolabe, the instrument is complete with four poorly marked plates, with a decorated outer rete. The signs of the zodiac are incised on the back side of the astrolabe indicating its primary function was soothsaying and not navigation. D: 6.5 cm. The alidade, the pin and horse-shaped awl are in situ. There is no readable Hegira date. Collectable condition and an inexpensive "hole filler" for an astrolabe.   view image   $300

183. Canada, c. 1927, a brass ship's compass dial with moveable dials. This fine piece is marked: CANADIAN MARCONI COMPANY on top of dial handle. The compass points are all nicely engraved on the various rings. This dial still works. D: 5.5".   view image   $500

184. United States, c. 1920, a brass cylinder-shaped pump action fog horn with an iron horn which can be manually pointed up or down. The cast iron base for the pumper's feet is marked Th TM on one side and TYPE 190 on the other. The pump handle is wood. H: 2 feet. It makes a sound similar to a mad walrus.   view image   $350



185. Germany, Nuremberg, c. 1600 AD. an ivory encased sun dial with a movable brass moon dial affixed to the inner lid. When the middle brass dial of the moon apparatus is turned, the different phases of the moon can be shown from crescent to full moon. The outer ring is marked from 1 to 29 days. Two inner circles of numbers provide the hours of for each month. There is only one pointer which simplifies the moon reading part of the dial. The base of the dial contains a compass with a painted compass rose on the bottom with the cardinal directions clearly spelled out. A fleur de lis decorates the compass rose. A folding gnomen produces a shadow from which the viewer, once he orientates the compass, can read the hour of the day off an exquisitely engraved silver ring. The ring is numbered in Roman numerals from IV through XII and down to VIII. The original glass cover is below the dial. It is still in place but there are two cracks in it. There is also an age deformity in the ivory upper lid which in no way detracts from the compass' performance. The upper and lower parts neatly screw together. Ex Harriet Wynter of London.   view image   $3500

186. France, Lyon, 16th century, a brass sundial marked in script JB L r Lyon with a fixed gnomen and the numerals for the sundial. On the other side around the rim: SOLEN 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 UP, diameter: 4.4 cm. an iron disc with handle has moveable point. The entire instrument is housed in an over-sized contemporary brass lidded round box.   view image   $1000

187. France, an exceptional Butterfield style compass/sundial dating to the 18th century and signed "LeMaire Paris". It measures 5.5 cm long by 6.5 cm wide. The horizon plate is engraved with the hours IIII - XII and I - VIII. The fine adjustment is made with a folding gnomon and a bird indicated. The exceptional ornate design and the excellent condition of the brass with the original needle of blue steel is most desirable. The latitudes of twenty-two European cities are engraved on the reverse side or bottom of the dial. It comes in its original leather hinged case. This example of the brilliant craftsmanship of dial makers in the 18th century would enhance any collection.   view image   $1,750

188. Germany, a fine small equinoctial Sundial by Lorenz Grassel, circa 1770 with an octoganal face measuring two inches across. The instrument is signed underneath, "L.Grafsl.", which would refer to Lorenz Grassel (1740-1805) who worked in Augsburg and is best known for his pocket dials. The compass with original dial is in fine working condition. The face plate is decorated with flowers and vines. City elevations are inscribed on the base. The dial folds in its original leather case with brass clasp. The case is no longer hinged and shows drying with some leather missing around the edges. This is an excellent example of its type by a well known Augsburg Maker.   view image   $1,200

189. Portugal, c. 1680-1720, a carved ivory dial with incised numbers both Roman and Arabic form. The central number is XII and to its right are I II III IIII V and VI, and to its left are 11 10 9 8 7 and VI. The gnomen is missing but the pin for it is still in place. The base is scallop-carved in typical Portuguese style. Width: 5.4 cm. Rare, the only one we've seen.   view image   $1500

190. United States, c. 1875, a machine stamped copper time keeper and sun dial. The lid is embossed with a radiate sun around which is written: MAGNETIC TIMEKEEPER & COMPASS. The 35 mm in diameter base houses a fine "floating" compass dial with raised silver gnomen. The hours are written in Roman numerals and cardinal and intermediate wind directions are listed around the edge of the dial. The base has two circular lines of script. The smaller says PATENT APPLIED FOR. The larger peripheral inscription reads: HUNTER & CO. BOOK SELLERS & PUBLISHERS HINSDALE N.H. Several of these have appeared on the market in recent years. This piece acquired by the consignor in Saratoga, New York in 2000.   view image   $350

191. Annam, (Vietnam), c. 1890-1910, a small compass set in larger round wooden case. The dial is surrounded by a scrimshaw forest scene within which are three maidens, one leading a horse and three men. Diameter: 11 cm.   view image   $100



192. Iran, Luristan, c. 800 BC. a fine bronze pin surmounted by the head of a lion with target-shaped eyes. L: 16 cm. A beauty! Ex Montanari Collection.   view image   $200

193. Roman Empire, Balkans, c. 150-300 AD. a lot of three bronze keys. Each one is a finger ring with an elaborate key shaft attached. Finger ring size: 4-8. Nice green patina.   view image   $300/3

194. Roman Empire, Italy, c. 150-300 AD. a fine bronze medical spatula. The bronze handle is carefully decorated. The spoon is only 5 mm. L: 12 cm. Ex Montanari.   view image   $100

195. China, Ch'ing Dynasty, Kuang-Hsu Period, c. 1875 AD. a fine brass lock and key, in- cised on top with floral scene with a reclining leopard in center of bottom section with a bird etched on the top section. The lock is shaped like violin. The mechanism is activated by a long thin key which frees the lock to open. L: 14 cm. In custom display box.   view image   $200

196. China, Ch'ing Dynasty, Kuang-Hsu Period, c. 1875 AD. a fine brass lock and key, in- cised on top with floral scene with a reclining hare0in center of bottom section with a bird more crudely etched on the top section. The lock is shaped like violin. The mechanism is activated by a long thin key which frees the lock to open. L: 12.7 cm. In custom display box.   view image   $150

197. Burma, c. 1895, a tattoo maker's tattooing needle. The top silver handle depicts the tattooer kneeling atop a demon totem style. The frog-bodied monster is atop a drum and has a gaping mouth with large fangs. The tattooer holds a long needle in his right hand and what appears to be a ball in his left. Two long hollow tapering tattooing needles connect socket style to form a 50 cm instrument. A fascinating piece!   view image   $1000

198. Persia, 17th century AD. a small brass combination lock which still works. H:32 mm. with hasp. Rare!   view image   $175

199. Persia, 17th century AD. a fine brass lock and key in the form of a soldier on guard duty. He holds a sword and shield. A separate key when properly used will open the locking mechanism. H: 7.5 cm. A choice piece. Nice patina.   view image   $750

200. Persia, c. 17th century AD. a fine steel dental wrench for extracting teeth. The instrument operates like. a wrench. The bottom handle has a butt pommel; while the other handle is extended to form a lock around the dentist's hand giving him a strong hold. L: 19 cm. This instrument hasn't been cleaned in centuries.   view image   $550

201. England, c. 1890, wood ring sizer with knobbed turned handle. The shaft with nineteen incised concentric circles are guides to the various ring sizes. The ring being tested is pushed up the shaft which thickens in width as it approaches the top. Alphabetical letters rather than numbers are used for sizing. (A "V" on this example is equivalent to an "11" in modern sizing. L: 9". The handle is inscribed H B over D.   view image   $150



202. Maurice Dauymas, SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS of the 17th & 18th Centuries and their Makers, B. T. Batsford, London, 1972, first edition with dj. 4to. Scarce!$75JLM

203. Donald and Joan Gear, EARTH TO HEAVEN, The Royal Animal-Shaped Weights of the Burmese Empires, Silkworm Books, Chiang Mei, 1990, Soft Cover. $40

204. Robert T. Gunther, The Astrolabes of the World, Oxford, 1932, 2 volumes. Hard bound original set from the library of Jake Zeitlin. The best and most important work published on this scientific instrument with many full page illustrations. $1500

205. Maya Hambly, Drawing Instruments 1580-1980, Sotheby, London, 1988, dj. $100

206. ISASC, Avery Scales & Weighing Machines, Chicago, 1980 reprint. $20

207. Brian Jewell, Veteran Scales and Balances, Midas Books, 1978. SC. A well-illustrated pamphlet. $15

208. Bruno Kisch, Scales & Weights, Yale University Press, New Haven, 1966, dj ( bit worn, text as new). $100.

209. Garo Kurkman, Ottoman Weights and Measures, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Sultanahmet, 1991. 96 page text in Turkish and English. Many illustrations of old Turkish scales and weights. PC, as new. Very useful! $50

210. Henri Michel, SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS in art and history, Viking Press, New York, 1967. 4to, dj. A fresh copy with marvelous color photos. $75

211. Gerard L'E. Turner, Nineteenth Century Scientific Instruments, University of California Press, 1983. 4to,, dj. This book includes a very useful chapter on Weights and Measures. $90

END OF AUCTION