analytical balance
Date: circa 1900
Inventory Number: 2004-1-0308
Classification: Balance
Subject:
Maker: Christian Becker (1892 - 1915)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
City of Use:
Dimensions:
43 x 50 x 23 cm (16 15/16 x 19 11/16 x 9 1/16 in.)
Accessories: in the drawer is a small box of weights, as well as two cards giving instructions for use
Description:
This balance consists of a wooden case on leveling screws, a main chamber behind glass windows, and a drawer below. Inside the main chamber is the balance proper. It is silver colored with a yellow tinge and composed of an adorned cylindrical pillar holding a metal beam from which hang two pans held by metal stirrups. A long, thin pointer attached to the top middle of the beam comes all the way down to almost touch the floor in front of an unmarked ivory scale. The balance has a mechanism for raising and lowering the pans and the beam and it also has adjusting screws by the pillar.
Two white ivory knobs (one missing) and a larger black one are located between the main chamber and the drawer. These are also opened by pulling white ivory knobs.
The balance comes with a set brass-colored weights in a fitted wooden box.
Two white ivory knobs (one missing) and a larger black one are located between the main chamber and the drawer. These are also opened by pulling white ivory knobs.
The balance comes with a set brass-colored weights in a fitted wooden box.
Signedon ivory plaque under needle: CHRISTIAN BECKER / SUCCESSOR TO / BECKER & SONS & BECKER BROS. / NEW - YORK
stamped on box of weights: BECKER & SONS
stamped on box of weights: BECKER & SONS
Inscribedstamped on instruction card: Special attention is called to the fact that all / BALANCES AND WEIGHTS manufactured by / me are STAMPLED WITH MY NAME
FunctionA very precise balance encased to protect from interference by air currents.
ProvenanceTaken from Harvard's former science building called Allston Burr.