Details
Description
A magnificent and functionally intact antique merchant's equal-arm balance scale, originating from an Ottoman Empire maritime port hub, naval custom …
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A magnificent and functionally intact antique merchant's equal-arm balance scale, originating from an Ottoman Empire maritime port hub, naval custom house, or bustling regional marketplace. This substantial commercial artifact features a robust 16-inch forged brass balance beam, sequentially registered with serial code Nº 64461 and clearly stamped by blacksmith maker HD.
Rising from the center pivot point is a 7-inch indicator arm capped with its original turned wood handle grip. Suspended by heavy-duty linking chains are two expansive 10.5-inch deep-dished brass trade pans. Setting this apart as a true commercial bazaar piece are multiple embedded copper and lead validation calibration plugs drilled and poured directly into the pans by period weight inspectors, alongside the official Ottoman Crescent verification stamp and regional Eastern numerals (١٢٩) on the beam, legally certifying its balance for daily marketplace trade.
Striking historical details include the unique mix of Western registration markings alongside official regional hallmarks, as well as two traditional glass Nazar (Evil Eye) protective amulets affixed near the top suspension linkage, utilized by Mediterranean merchants to safeguard transactions. The entire piece boasts a gorgeously preserved, deeply layered original patina with exceptional deep green and coppery-brown character. A premier, authentic historical artifact for collectors of industrial mercantile tools, scientific instruments, and maritime trade history.
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- Dimensions
- 10.5ʺW × 10.57ʺD × 21ʺH
- Styles
- Empire
- Industrial
- Nautical
- Period
- 1910s
- Country of Origin
- Turkey
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Brass
- Copper
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Brass
- Condition Notes
- Condition: Very Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some ImperfectionsCondition Notes: Excellent structural integrity with zero historical repairs. The scale retains … moreCondition: Very Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some ImperfectionsCondition Notes: Excellent structural integrity with zero historical repairs. The scale retains its original heavy chains, indicator arm, wood handle, and hand-fitted components. Surface & Patina: Boasts a gorgeously preserved, deeply layered original antique patina with authentic coppery-brown tones and deep green character. The metal remains completely undisturbed and has never been aggressively polished or chemically cleaned, preserving its historic value. Bazaar Calibration Marks: The brass pans display visible, authentic copper and lead validation calibration plugs hammered directly into the metal surfaces by period marketplace weight inspectors. These historic markings are securely embedded and flush with the pan face. Structural Integrity: The 16-inch balance beam and 7-inch indicator arm are solid, rigid, and completely free of cracks, structural bends, or welds. The center pivot mechanisms and heavy-duty link chains remain structurally sound and functionally intact. Wear Consistent with Commercial Age: Features superficial surface scratches, minor scuffs, and small dings/pitting on the interior and exterior of the 10.5-inch deep-dished pans. This surface wear is entirely consistent with its active historical use as a commercial trade piece in open market networks. less
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