Roman — Roman
Steelyard
A copper alloy steelyard balace, consisting of a beam with an upper side marked in 1-4 pounds with dots between each pound. The lower side is marked V, X, V, XX, V pounds with 5 ozs between each pound. At one end are two hooks for suspension and a lead weight suspended of a copper alloy chain.
A uniform system of weights and measures was essential in Roman London. Precise scales were needed for all manner of purposes; from the preparation of make-up within the home, to the measuring of spices and drugs at the market place. The Romans introduced the pound weight to Britannia, although they referred to it as a 'libra'. This is why even today pound weights are abbreviated as ‘lb’.
- Category:
- Roman
- Object ID:
- 21956
- Object name:
- steelyard
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- Roman
- Material:
copper alloy
- Measurements/duration:
- H 183 mm, L 170 mm, D 35 mm (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.