Steelyard

ID:

21956

Production date:

Roman

Location:

In Store

A copper alloy steelyard balace, consisting of a beam with an upper side marked in 1-4 pounds with dots between each pound. The lower side is marked V, X, V, XX, V pounds with 5 ozs between each pound. At one end are two hooks for suspension and a lead weight suspended of a copper alloy chain.  < ...Read more

A copper alloy steelyard balace, consisting of a beam with an upper side marked in 1-4 pounds with dots between each pound. The lower side is marked V, X, V, XX, V pounds with 5 ozs between each pound. At one end are two hooks for suspension and a lead weight suspended of a copper alloy chain.

A uniform system of weights and measures was essential in Roman London. Precise scales were needed for all manner of purposes; from the preparation of make-up within the home, to the measuring of spices and drugs at the market place. The Romans introduced the pound weight to Britannia, although they referred to it as a 'libra'. This is why even today pound weights are abbreviated as ‘lb’. < Hide

Measurements

H 183 mm; L 170 mm; D 35 mm (overall)

Materials

copper alloy

Last Updated

2023-10-11