Georgian Apothecary Weighing Scales
- May 14, 2020
- 2 min read
Here is a rare George III boxed Apothecary Scales & Weights. Unusually the scale box is highly decorative. The lid of the mahogany box is decorated in the neoclassical taste. It is inlaid with an oval fan patera in boxwood and faded harewood and framed by chequered banding. There is a small old repair to the corner of the box.
Inside there is a label showing the Scale Makers name and address Young & Son, Scale makers to His Majesty No 5 Bear Street (Leicester Square) London. Makes & sell all sorts of scales, weights & steelyards for home & trade & exploration.
Along with the Royal Warrant and a chart for weights. There is hand written notes on the label which appears to be a mix for a formula of some sort.
The brass lid to the internal compartment is unusually engraved in beautiful copperplate script and states:
"Holt, Scale Maker, No 51 Hay Market St James"
Presumably indicating that the scales were made by Holt and then retailed by Young & Son in some form of partnership. There are thirteen weights in the lidded interior plus a further six fitted weights, three are replacements.
The Scales are in good condition with original cords and tassle having steel arms with engraved decoration.
The box measures approx 17.5cm l x 7.5cm d x 2.5cm h.
There is a similar set of apothecary scales in the History of Science Museum.
Young's was one of the finest of English Scale Makers and was a long established company. Sewell & Young (Scale Makers) were recorded in the Directory of London & Westminster in 1794 at this address, Young & Son. were from 1811-1901 at this address and then company became Young Son & Marlow 1902-1972.
William Holt was a scale maker in London and was operstional at the Haymarket address from 1801 to at least 1814.
This box dates from around 1815-1820. A real piece of history........
Price £335
These Georgian apothecary scales are a beautiful testament to the precision of early pharmaceutical science. The delicate balance of the brass beams and the original velvet-lined cases reflect the high standards of 18th-century medicine. It is a captivating piece that perfectly captures the professional aesthetic of a historic chemist’s shop!
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