Arabic metal scales, 18th century.

Arabic metal scale, XVIII century.
Measurements: 23 x 15 cm (each pan).
Set of scales for weighing metals and other jewelry materials, with two-pan balance, complete set of weights, tweezers for handling small stones and other instruments. It is presented in its original case, with velvet lined interior, with recesses for each of the parts.
The balance is an instrument of great antiquity, being dated between 2400 and 1800 B.C. the oldest evidence of its use, found in the Indus Valley (present-day Pakistan). In Egypt the oldest sources that speak of this instrument are dated around 1878 B.C., although its use must have extended to earlier dates. Although there were advances in the design and development of the balance throughout history, until the 17th century they were all basically variations of the same instrument.