Created by
Unidentified
Date
before 1865
Medium
wood and iron
Dimensions
H x W x D (.3 center fulcrum): 36 1/2 × 53 5/8 × 4 3/4 in. (92.7 × 136.2 × 12.1 cm)
H x W x D (.1 weight pan): 41 1/2 × 19 5/8 × 2 7/8 in. (105.4 × 49.8 × 7.3 cm)
H x W x D (.2 square seat): 43 5/16 × 24 × 5 in. (110 × 61 × 12.7 cm)
Description
A wood and iron scale used for the weighing of enslaved persons for sale. The scale consists of a wrought iron center fulcrum (.3) on an inverted T-shaped beams, to which was attached a round, wooden weight pan (.1) on one side and a wooden seat (.2) on the other. The scale would have been hooked to an external structure, such as a rafter, using the top of the T-shaped beam and a hook, which can be looped through a chain. The weight pans attach via chains slipped over the W-shaped hooks attached to the ends of the beam. The fulcrum has a folding mechanism between the main beam and the hanging vertical beam, allowing it to be folded down parallel to the main beam. Along the central beam, on either side of the vertical piece, are the marks “A.F.” and “1743” accompanied on either side with a decorative flourish of two parallel lines with a zig-zag line down the center. The number "1743" is repeated on the back of the central beam, likely representing either the year forged or a product number.
The round wooden weight pan is constructed primarily of three large planks of wood. The underside of the pan has additional pieces of wood that are screwed and glued to the top body for stability. Three heavy wooden chains are screwed into the seat for attaching to the central scale piece.
The wooden seat is rectangular, constructed primarily of six large pieces of wood. There is a pyramidal backing and two notched arms on either side. Two heavy iron chains attach on either side, as a swing, for attaching to the central scale piece.
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Type
scales (weighing devices)
Topic
American South
Business
Commerce
Slave trade
Slavery
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the DeTurk Family and Thomas Snyder
Object number
2021.5.1-.3
Restrictions & Rights
Public domain
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5baf49eca-7df3-4196-852f-718a917395ae

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

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