Gilt Bronze Brass Apothecary Scale with Snakes & Serpent Decoration Antique VTG

Embellished with stylized dolphins and serpents, this gilt bronze and brass apothecary scale was made in Portugal in the early 1900's. This style of scale is called a pivot balance because the beam, which is the horizontal lever, is pivoted to allow the arms to rise or fall as weight is placed in the weighing pans. The weighing pan was originally called a scalepan, which is how balances became known as scales. To use the scale, an object of unknown mass would be placed in one pan. Weights are added to the other pan until the beam is as close to horizontal as possible. Pharmacies would have used a scale like this around the turn of the 20th century. Two circular brass pans are suspended by chains from the stylized dolphin hooks. The hooks are attached to the beam, which is once again a stylized snakes. There are two snakes rising up to form a caduceus, which is the symbol of medicine and commerce. There is a fluted center column that terminates at the top in another stylized dolphin. The snake's tongue is formed into a hook which suspends the beam and weighing pans. The column is affixed to an irregular shaped base. When not in use, the ten weights are housed in their respective slots, located in the base. CONDITION: Very good antique condition with complete set of original weights. Minor oxidation in a few locations. Please see all pictures carefully for details condition and measurements. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. Thank you for looking!