composed of a rod of square section divided into two parts by a suspension hook, the longer part graduated on three sides and marked at regular intervals, the shorter part fitted with a ring holding a suspension hook, the rod terminating at each end in knobs, the support for the objects to be weighed composed of a separate circular collar attached to a U-shaped bar attached to the rod and supporting two chains terminating in hooks, the lead-filled weight in the form of bubous vessel, an incised decorative line around the centre.

Publications: For related examples see: Kurt Weitzman, ed., "Age of Spirituality: Late Antique and Early Christian Art, Third to Seventh Century," Catalogue of the Exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, November 19th, 1977-February 12th, 1978, New York, 1979, p.345, no. 328, illus.; Norbert Franken, "Aequipondia. Figürliche Laufgewichte römischer und frühbyzantinischer Schnellwaagen," doctoral dissertation, Bonn, 1994, p.177, CA50, fig. 95b.; Gary Vikan and John Nesbitt, "Security in Byzantium: Sealing, Weighing, Locking," Washington, D.C., 1980, p.33, fig.74.; W.R. Knorr, "Ancient Sources of the Medieval Tradition of Mechanics" (Supplemento agli Annali dell’ Instituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza), Florence, 1982, pl.5.; Jochen Garbsch, "Wagen oder Waagen?," Bayerische Vorgeschichtsblatter, vol. 53, 1988, p.217, Liste 2,10; Dagmar Stutzinger, "Zwei spätantike Schnellwaagen," in Tesserae: Festschrift für Josef Engemann (Jahrbuch fur Antike und Christentum, Ergänzungsband 18), Münster, 1991, p.315, n.35.

Dimensions: Steelyard Height: 18.5cm (7 1/4in); Width: 23.5cm (9 1/4in); Weight Height (excluding chain): 3.5cm (1 1/2in).