c1890 Victoria Brass Scales Agate Patent with Weights

An impressive set of antique all brass balance scales made by John Winsbury of London, quite a rare maker.

This set copies the Agate patent and is quite standard in design with a double arm swinging from a central column. Each arm holds a brass dish suspended by 3 brass chains. This set comes complete with 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 8 ounce and 1lb weights and would have been used in a grocery store, post office or a chemist. The scales are quite imposing and tall. The central column rests on a wide rectangular wooden base. Typical of Victorian design, despite the scales functional use, attention has been given to its looks, with ornate decoration to the structure.

Condition is very good, considering its age, with a lovely finish to the brass. The swinging arm is stamped with: PATENT AGATE BALANCE with a V.R. under a crown and the number 483. There is also CLASS C 4 LB. On the central column is J. WINSBURY & SON LONDON. On one of the brass dishes is stamped J.A. GILBERT & Co. MAKERS LONDON.

John Winsbury of London took over the scalemaking business of Robert Bassingham in 1843. After 1888 the firm was known as J. Winsbury & Son.

Size: 56 x 24 x 77 cm (22 x 9 ½ x 30 ¼ inches)