Studio RT Ltd

Description

We are offering for sale this very attractive and useful set of Balance ScaleS in cast Brass including its complete set of original weights, that sit snuggly in the base. There is a maker's mark on a circular plaque in the centre of the beam marked Librasco, which we have discovered stands for The Libra Scale Company.

The company was started in the 1980s by a couple who returned from a three year road trip in the 70s to Portugal, India and South Africa. After they had sold the artefacts they acquired on their journey, they started importing brass butcher's scales from Portugal, ranging in size from 6 inches to 6 feet with four pans. These scales are similar in design to the ones we are offering. However they decided to start manufacturing scales in the UK, in Nuthampsted, Hertfordshire of this type and the cast iron ones in various colours, of a type most commonly seen in greengrocers' shops. They produced over 2 million sets of scales,but they are no longer made, as the company has changed their range to include many items of home decor, lighting and furniture.

The scales have a fish head top, from which the balance beam is suspended and a reeded column leading down to the base. . The beam is designed as two fish, theN the three chains that hold EACH OF the pans hang from tiny fish. Two similar fish form the balance pointer. It could be that the original Portuguese ones of this design were made for fishmongers, while the very large ones feature a bull's head top were made for butchers. The scales are made as a very decorative item for your kitchen rather than for accuracy.

Height: 22 1/2 inches - 57cm

Width: 17 1/2 inches - 44.5cm

Depth: 7 1/2 inches - 19cm

Condition: Very good. The beam is perfectly balanced and the scales are in very good, clean condition.