Balance scale 1840 - 1860

This balance scale, crafted by Henry N. Hooper and Company between 1840 and 1860, exemplifies the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of the 19th-century. Made of brass and standing on a marble base, the scale features delicate ornamentation, including a central column with stylized floral motifs and a cross-hatched beam. The scale, currently residing in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is a testament to the enduring functionality and elegance of a simple yet essential tool.