OPIUM SCALES: BAMBOO, METAL AND IVORY

Components of opium scales:
a) Hollow bamboo case shaped like a pear with a long handle. Handle is hollowed to hold ivory balance and base has hollows to support brass tray and counterweight. The case has been hinged at end of handle which finishes in a knob. This hinge is broken and halves are now held together with plaited circle of cane. Outside surface is polished.

b) Brass tray to hold opium has hanging chains missing - small weights are there to support chains. Tray is circular with flattened base.
c) Ivory balance is shaped like a long fine rod. At one end is a needle set within a moveable brass circular device for showing balance. There are three silk threads through the rod, knotted at one surface and terminating in red, silk pompoms. The shaft of the rod is marked with dots at various distances to indicate weights.

d) Oval brass counterweight - missing when donated and since replaced by John Olive. Note: Property of the Abelman family.