Height 102.0 cm x Width 71.0 cm
Part a- Length: 102.0cm x Base Diameter: 18.2cm
Part b- Length: 72.0cm x Height: 18.0cm
Part c- Base Diameter: 8.9cm x Height: 16.0cm
Part d- Base Diameter: 7.8cm x Height: 13.3cm
Part e- Base Diameter: 6.0cm x Height: 10.3cm
Part f- Diameter: 11.5cm x Height: 2.8cm
Part g- Diameter: 5.6cm x Height: 1.4cm
Part h- Diameter: 9.8cm x Height: 2.7cm
Part i- Diameter: 6.5cm x Height: 2.0cm
Part j- Diameter: 2.4cm x Height: 0.7cm
Part k- Diameter: 6.4cm x Height: 2.1cm
Part l- Diameter: 3.5cm x Height: 1.2cm
Part m- Diameter: 7.6cm x Height: 3.3cm
Part n-o- Pans Diameter: 30.0cm x Chains Length: 60.0cm
This artifact includes a set of weighing scales, weights and pans. a- This is a metal stand. The stand is on a solid base with decorative turned rungs on the shaft. It has a brass top for the scales to fit on, and turned decorative finial at the top.
b- This is a brass scale bar. It has central decorative elements and turned finial. There is a large dangling hook at both ends of the balance bar. One hook is marked "1" and the other is marked "2". On the bar, there are several engraved marks on both sides.
c- This is a bell-shaped weight. It has an engraved word "7 Avoir" on the top of the handle.
d- This is a bell-shaped weight. It has an engraved word "4 Avoir" on the top of the handle.
e- This is a bell-shaped weight. It has an engraved word "2 Avoir" on the top of the handle.
f- This is a large metal disc. It has engraved words of "4 lb" and "VR CK" on the surface.
g- This is a small metal disc. It has engraved words and symbol of "8 oz Avoir", a crown and "UC" on the surface.
h- This is a large metal disc. On one side, there is an engraved "3". On the other side are two indented holes, both having engraved letters "ER" and "K" inside the hole.
i- This is a small disc. It has several engraved words and symbols on the surface, including "1 lb", a crown and "1826".
j- This is a very small metal disc. It has an engraved "GR" inside a crown on one side and two indented holes on the other side.
k- This is a small metal disc. It has an engraved "1" on one side. On the other side, there is a engraved crown with "ER" inside and "G2" below.
l- This is a very small disc. It has an engraved "2" on one side. On the other side is an indented hole with an illegible mark.
m- This is a disc with slit into the centre. On one side is an engraved "80", and on the other side, there are six indented holes. One of the holes has an engraved crown and the letter "GR" inside.
n-o- Both are brass pan with a chain. The pans are used for holding items to be weighed and the chain is for hanging from bar.
This weigh scale is thought to have been used at Kingston’s Market Square, one of the oldest and longest running public markets in Ontario. The engraved word "7 Avoir" on the top of the handle refers to the avoirdupois system, a measurement of weight in pounds and ounces used as early as 1300 in England. Historically, the avoirdupois weight system was based on a standardized pound that could be divided into 16 ounces.
