Manufactured by
Unidentified
Owned by
Old Slave Mart Museum, American, founded 1937
Date
19th century
Medium
iron
Dimensions
H x W x D: 8 11/16 × 32 1/16 × 1 3/8 in. (22 × 81.5 × 3.5 cm)
Description
A pea scale, also known as a cotton scale, balance scale, or a steelyard balance. At one end of the scale is a J shaped hook for hanging a sack of cotton. On the other end of the scale are weight measurement markings and notches at the top for holding the weights in place. They scale has twenty notches between each number with deeper notches every four notches. One side of the scale is marked [5], [10], [15], [20], [25], and [30] from left to right. There is also white, hand painted text near the first notch that reads [R505]. Near the J shaped hook is a stamped manufacturer's mark that reads [P.S. & W. Co] The other side is marked [+], [20], [+], [40], [+], [60], [+], [80], [+], [100], [+], and [120] from right to left. There is a round hole near the edge of the notched side of the scale. Close to the J shaped hook are two (2) swivel hanging hooks for suspending the scale and the cotton.
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Tools and Equipment
Type
ironwork
steelyards
Topic
Agriculture
Cotton
Labor
Skilled labor
Slavery
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2017.108.23.63
Restrictions & Rights
No known copyright restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd58e4a0bac-a5ce-40ef-86e2-0549ea28aca6

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

Share this page