1153

,Spain-,Spanish Coin Scale in Ornate Wooden Box

Currency:USD Category:Artifacts / Shipwreck Artifacts Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 USD and UP
,Spain-,Spanish Coin Scale in Ornate Wooden Box
Preview
Holabird-Kagin Americana Office
3555 Airway Drive Suite#309
Reno, NV 89511
Thursday August22, 10am-6pm
* Preview also available by appointment

Live Auction
Friday & Saturday
August 23 & 24, 2013
9am PDT starting time, both days

Location
Atlantis Casino & Resort
Grand Ballroom #4
3800 S. Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89502

Lot Pick Up
Holabird-Kagin Americana Office
3555 Airway Drive Suite #309
Reno, NV 89511
Sunday August 25, 10am-1pm

c1500s-A fine brass pocket scale of Spanish origin, packaged neatly in an ornately engraved and hinged wooden box that measures 6.5" x 2.25". The scale, dating to the 16th century, is a simple hanging balance with two brass cups mounted on pale green cord. The bottom of each cup is imprinted with a crown over the letter H. The cup-compartments in the box are lined in faded striped cotton. The box also houses a set of thin, square brass weights stamped with the following measurements: "XXXV", "XX", "XV" "XXIIII", "X". In 4 special compartments are also four individual thick gauge brass weights imprinted with symbols: A Maltese cross on one side, with a hand holding a star on the reverse; A round imprint with 4 shields; A round imprint with a cross in the center, and a fleur de lis on reverse; and, a smaller weight with a cross imprinted in a round symbol, with the following stamped on reverse: "V D IP D VI" with fleur de lis. The wooden case closes with two swinging hooks in the lid. This coin scale was perhaps used to weigh out pieces of eight (the eight-real Spanish coins), and is a beautiful example of early accounting. HKA#64916