A superb early 20th-century precision analytical balance by Becker's Sons, housed within its original glazed wooden cabinet and retailed in England by S. Parsons & Co. of Bradford.
The finely made balance has a central brass column, suspended pans, adjustable beam and pointer scale, all protected within the glass-sided case to prevent air movement affecting delicate measurements. The mechanism is marked “Becker's Sons - Rotterdam - Brummen”, while a brass plaque to the upper front of the cabinet reads “S. Parsons & Co - Bradford, Eng.”
The lower drawer retains a good selection of period precision weights in various sizes, including weights marked in grains. The collection may have been added to or altered during its working life and is not guaranteed to represent a complete original set.
S. Parsons & Co were specialist weighing machinists in Bradford, supplying equipment for industrial and textile use, while Becker's Sons were internationally known makers of precision laboratory balances. This example would originally have been intended for extremely fine weighing in a laboratory, chemical, pharmaceutical or industrial setting.
A particularly attractive piece of antique scientific equipment, with the warm wooden cabinet, brass mechanism and array of tiny weights giving it excellent decorative appeal.
Good antique condition with general surface wear, marks, scratches and patination consistent with age and use. The balance mechanism appears substantially complete, although it has not been tested for calibration or accuracy and is sold as an antique scientific instrument rather than for precision modern use. Please see photographs for condition.
Measures approximately 35 x 31 x 17 cm / 13.8 x 12.2 x 6.7 inches.
The finely made balance has a central brass column, suspended pans, adjustable beam and pointer scale, all protected within the glass-sided case to prevent air movement affecting delicate measurements. The mechanism is marked “Becker's Sons - Rotterdam - Brummen”, while a brass plaque to the upper front of the cabinet reads “S. Parsons & Co - Bradford, Eng.”
The lower drawer retains a good selection of period precision weights in various sizes, including weights marked in grains. The collection may have been added to or altered during its working life and is not guaranteed to represent a complete original set.
S. Parsons & Co were specialist weighing machinists in Bradford, supplying equipment for industrial and textile use, while Becker's Sons were internationally known makers of precision laboratory balances. This example would originally have been intended for extremely fine weighing in a laboratory, chemical, pharmaceutical or industrial setting.
A particularly attractive piece of antique scientific equipment, with the warm wooden cabinet, brass mechanism and array of tiny weights giving it excellent decorative appeal.
Good antique condition with general surface wear, marks, scratches and patination consistent with age and use. The balance mechanism appears substantially complete, although it has not been tested for calibration or accuracy and is sold as an antique scientific instrument rather than for precision modern use. Please see photographs for condition.
Measures approximately 35 x 31 x 17 cm / 13.8 x 12.2 x 6.7 inches.