Name/TitleMancur Balance
About this objectA mancur balance; these are now illegal.The scale is graduated from 0-25.
From a letter in 'Country Life', 24.06.1976:
"... a Mancur balance... was widely used by farmers in England and the U.S.A.during the 19th. century. Regulations made under the Weights and Measures Act of 1889 did not permit the stamping of such scales for use in trade, and they accordingly went out of use.
The figures on each side of the brass dial signified the number of pounds (avoirdupois), the 0 to 36 graduations being used when the scale was suspended by the smaller ring and the goods from the smaller hook; the 20lb. to 400lb. range being used when the large ring and hook were similarly employed. Pigs were not weighed by the stone of 14lb. but by the 'butcher's' or 'London' stone of 8lb. until well into the 20th. century. The 364lb. 'sack' of wool had gone out of common use long before the Mancur balance came on the scene. Although this form of weighing device is supposed to have originated in the 19th century, a more sophisticated type of balance, having a C-spring for a weighing element was invented by a M.Hanin of Paris towards the end of the 18th century, which seems to indicate an earlier origin for the Mancur balance. This belief is supported to some extent by the absence of makers or patent marks on any of the surviving specimens. Supporting evidence for this thesis would be welcome , as would any information or suggestions as to the origin of the name 'Mancur'. - Mr Stevenson, Librarian, Institute of Trading Standards, Sussex.
MakerJohn Hughes
Maker RoleDesigner
Place MadeEngland
Medium and MaterialsBody: Iron
Scale: Brass
Inscription and MarksBrass scale, stamped at top: 'HUGHES'S POCKET BALANCE MADE IN ENGLAND'
Brass scale, stamped at foot: 'PATENT NO 5'
MeasurementsLength: 4 1/2 inches
Suspension ring: 1 1/4 inches
Hook: 3 3/4 inches (round curve)
Object numberSTMEA:A.84
Copyright Licence
Attribution - Non-commercial (cc)
