A Set of Portable Antique Brass Apothecary Balance Scales with Hardwood Case

This set comprises a portable apothecary or laboratory balance scale designed for assembly using the storage case as a base. The instrument is constructed primarily from brass, featuring a central pillar that fits into a circular metal mount on the lid of the wooden box. The balance beam is equipped with a central vertical pointer and hooks at each extremity to support two circular brass pans. These pans are suspended by cords. The set includes the rectangular hardwood case, possibly mahogany, which is fitted with a simple wire hook latch. Accompanying the scales is a single square metal weight and a suspension hook. No maker marks or signatures are visible on the brass components or the wooden case. The square weight features an incised character resembling a 1 and other markings that are heavily worn and illegible.