Important Italian Money Changer's Balance With Hallmarks – Late 18th Or Early 19th Century

Important Italian Money Changer's Balance with Hallmarks – Late 18th or Early 19th Century

Description: The L'Atrium Gallery presents this superb Italian money changer's balance, most likely dating from the late 18th or first half of the 19th century.

A scientific, financial, and historical instrument par excellence, it was the essential tool of merchants, goldsmiths, and bankers for verifying the weight and fineness of gold and silver coins.

The rectangular walnut case displays a beautiful patina. It is surmounted by an elegant wrought-iron bracket supporting the balance beam. A remarkable feature and mark of quality: the two brass balance pans are finely hallmarked, attesting to their official calibration.

The drawer at the front reveals a rich assortment of finely engraved brass coin weights, each bearing superb hallmarks (crowned shields, the "819" mark, etc.).

This set reflects the European monetary circulation of the period, with weights calibrated for:
The Doppio Sovrano Nuovo (Double Gold Sovereign, typical of the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia)
The Scudo Francia (French Ecu)
Various coins from the Republic of Genoa (Genova), Spain (Spagna), and Piedmont (Piemonte).

Condition: Excellent overall condition and remarkable authenticity. The weighing mechanism is complete. However, for the sake of completeness, two small weights are missing from their respective compartments inside the drawer.

A rare and fascinating display piece, ideal for enriching a cabinet of curiosities or the collection of a discerning numismatist.

Dimensions:

Width: 23.5 cm
Depth: 12 cm
Height of the box alone: ​​6.6 cm
Total height (with the gallows upright): 30 c