Antique Tobacco Scale With Horn Trays – 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

Rare and highly decorative French tobacco counter scale dating from the Napoleon III period (circa 1860–1890).

• Materials: black patinated cast iron frame with a central orientalist figure (man with traditional hat and parasol), resting on a rectangular marble base mounted on wood.

• Pans: original bovine horn trays, very unusual and fragile, seldom preserved. Most comparable scales were made with brass or copper pans – making this example particularly rare.

• Markings: inscribed “GARANTIE” in a cartouche under the central figure – a typical French guarantee stamp of the period.

• Dimensions: approx. 35.5 × 17 cm (base), height 17.5 cm including the finial.

This type of balance (balance à tabac) was used in French tobacconists’ shops to weigh loose tobacco in small quantities. Beyond its function, it also served as a counter showpiece, reflecting the 19th-century taste for exotic and orientalist decoration.

• Good antique condition consistent with age.

• Patina and minor oxidation to the cast iron.

• Wear and natural cracks to the horn trays (expected for this material).

• Marble base with minor surface wear.