Photo by David Friend Productions, San Diego, California
ENGLISH PORTABLE ASSAY BUTTON BALANCE by L. OERTLING
06-018. English, late 4th quarter 19th century, signed on the base of the column "OERTLING LONDON." The polished mahogany case is 9" square x 2 3/8" thick (closed) and the front folds back underneath to form a stable base for use. The lacquered brass balance column is 5 3/4' tall, the balance beam is 6 1/4" wide, and the wire pan hangers are 4 3/4" long. Below the balance are two small drawers with ivory handles that contain the balance weight set, the knurled knob that lifts the balance beam, the small balance pans, and a small turned wood case with the riders. This rare portable assay button balance is in very good overall condition (noting damage to one of the case closure clamps). See page 230 in John Shannon's "The Assay Balance" for a copy of the catalog page for this balance from the 1891 Oertling catalogue.
