Scale

Object number94.51.793

Datec. 1895

MediumWood; Metal; Brass; Steel; Ivory; Glass

Credit LineTransfer from Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Gift of Mellon National Bank

DescriptionTesting scale or balance. A finely finished wooden box serves as a base for the balance, and for storage of the weights; at center is a brass column with a leveling vial and two adjusting screws at the base; balance arm set upon a floating pivot at the top of the columnDimensions12.25 x 6.5 x 12.375 in. (31.1 x 16.5 x 31.4 cm)
InscriptionsSix small graduated weights marked "1" , "2-1/2", "3", "5", "10", "20" respectively, possibly referring to dollars.
Historical Notestransfer from CMNH; original donor was Mellon National Bank (Jan. 25, 1950); CMNH catalog sheet notes that the scale was "for weighing gold"; it seems possible that this was used to confirm the weight of gold coins in denominations from $1 through $20Label TextNo longer just private bankers, the [Mellon] brothers—with Andrew at the helm—proved to be shrewd investors and venture capitalists. They provided money to men with new ideas and merged existing companies, creating what came to be known as the “Mellon Companies.” In addition, they were involved in local coal company consolidations, mining ventures throughout the country, and the development of streetcar lines and railroads—creating destination points to both Kennywood and Idlewild parks.

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