Balance

Object number2010.31.19 a-m
OriginNew York, NY
OriginPhiladelphia, PA
OriginClifton, NJ
Mediumvarious metals; plastic; glass
Credit LineGift of Bill Gallagher
DescriptionBalance scale with two (2) scale plates, metal canister, and nine (9) apothecary weights.Dimensions(a) Height: 6.75 ; Width: 12 ; Length: 6.5
(b,c) W: 3 ; L: 3.375
(d) W/L: 1.25 ; Depth: .5
(e-h) W/L: .875
(i) W/L: .75
(j-m) W/L: .625
Marks(a)
Printed in white on top's front edge: "TORSION BALANCE".

Metal label on back has black print and engraved text: "STYLE RX-1 NO. 74897 CAP. 120 G CLASS A / THE TORSION BALANCE CO. / CLIFTON, NEW JERSEY-MADE IN U.S.A. / CAUTION: BEFORE SHIPPING THIS BALANCE / OBTAIN INSTRUCTIONS FROM FACTORY".

(d)
Printed on top piece: "DRACHM & GRAIN / PHILA. NEW YORK".

(e-h)
Each embossed, both sides: "TWO DRACHMS / 3ii / PHILA M [inside diamond] & N.Y." ;

(i)
Each embossed, both sides: "ONE DRACHM / 3i / PHILA M [inside diamond] & N.Y." ;

(j)
Each embossed, both sides: "TWO SCRUPLES / [scruples symbol] ii / PHILA M [inside diamond] & N.Y."

(k-m)
"HALF DRACHM / 3ss / PHILA M [inside diamond] & N.Y."
Historical NotesPart of a collection of pharmaceutical items from Gallagher Pharmacy in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, that documents the typical neighborhood pharmacy in the era before major chain pharmacies. Donor Bill Gallagher's uncle, Matthew Gallagher, started Gallagher’s Pharmacy in 1922. Matthew's nephew Bill started working there in 1948, and eventually took over for his uncle. Bill closed the doors of the pharmacy on December 31, 2009.
Previous owner (1922 - 2009)
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