Balance

Set of cast iron balance scales. The foot of the balance is a white, rectangular, decorative frame with undulating edges that disguises the workings of the balance. Copper alloy plates and the centre front and centre back of the foot are engraved with the maker's name, 'HERBERT &SONS LTD 6/7 WEST SMITHFIELD'.

The main iron column of the balance is set to one side and is surrounded by a decorative pink ceramic casing with three groups of white and gold collars. White, shield-shaped cast iron plates at the front and back of the column head bear the raised inscription, 'TO WEIGH 10 LBS ESTD J Sainsbury 1869'. The lettering would originally have been picked out in gold against the white background with pink and gold borders.

The arms of the balance are white with pink and gold decoration and gold-coloured terminals. One arm holds a copper alloy pan for bell weights and the other arm holds a white glass plate on which the food being weighed would have been placed. The latter arm features an extra metal strut to support the glass plate.

This balance would have been used in a Sainsbury's counter service branch to weigh out products like butter to meet customer requests.