16.75"H x 14.5"L x 10.25"W.

German. c. 1920. Brass, glass, agate. This balance was made by the famous Sartorius Company, founded in 1870 by Florenz Sartorius and is still in business today. Sartorius catalogues from the period state that the beam is of phosphor bronze and the knife edges and planes are of agate. The beam is 14 cm long, divided to fifty divisions either side of centre. A sliding rod with a lifter attachment allows movement of a weight across the beam without opening the door, thus eliminating errors caused by air movement. The beam weight is missing. The balance stands on three brass feet, the front two being adjustable so that the level position required for accurate work can be achieved. The level position is indicated by a plumb bob suspended above a brass point. Turning the knob on the front lifts the beam and the pans to the operating position. When not in use the beam is lowered and the pans rest on supports, preventing wear to the agate surfaces. The glazed oak case is mounted on a thick glass sole. Both the front and the back of the case can be raised and there is a door in each side. There is a small chip in the front edge of the glass sole on which the oak case is mounted. The case shows some light scratches and abrasions commensurate with its age. The column and main horizontal support are chemically darkened. The smaller fittings are of lacquered brass are showing some spotting. The balance functions as it should and a mismatched set of weights is included. 16.75"H x 14.5"L x 10.25"W.