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Box with scales and weights

Table engraved by: Nathaniel Hurd (American, 1729 or 1730–1777)
1760–70
Place of Manufacture: probably London, England; Object Place: Boston, Massachusetts

Medium/Technique Oak, steel, brass, green baize lining; engraved paper label
Dimensions 3.63 x 20.02 x 9.52 cm (1 7/16 x 7 7/8 x 3 3/4 in.)
Credit Line American Decorative Arts Curator's Fund
Accession Number1999.188a-t
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsInstruments

DescriptionLarge steel pocket balance, probably made in London and retailed in Boston, with circular brass pans; a smaller steel balance with cupped brass pans, and eighteen weights. Fitted oak case shows remnants of green baize within; lid is decorated with scribed lines and two stamped fleurs-de-lys. The paper table of weights and measures by Hurd has been cut, rearranged (decorative matter excised), and glued to inside of lid. It reads: "Engrav'd Printed and Sold by NAT'L HURD." Weights in the set are as follows: 2 marked "3:12;" 1 marked "36;" 2 marked "27;" 1 marked "21;" 4 marked "18;" 1 marked "VIII;" 1 marked with 5 dots; 1 marked with 3 dots; 1 marked with "S;" 1 marked with crown, obverse profile; 1 marked "8," one marked "IIII."
ProvenancePurchased from Skinner, Sale 1911, March 6, 1999, lots 70.