Medieval Folding Balance Scales. A set of bronze folding balance scales, comprising the beam, two folding arms and pointer. In use, the arms would have folded out until they locked in alignment with the beam. Pans would have been suspended on three cords from the end of each arm, and the balance would have been held by a loop pivoted in the hole at the base of the triangular pointer. The object to be weighed was placed in one pan, and weights were progressively added to the second pan until the balance was in equilibrium. The correct weight was indicated when the pointer aligned with the axis of the suspension loop. Circa 13th-15th Century. 74mm length 25mm high. Complete and in working order. Rare to find in this condition.