Antique Measuring Instrument Collection - Set of Apothecary Weights

This set of apothecaries' scale consists of two 2 Drams (marked as 3ij), two 1 Dram (marked as 3j), and two 2 Scruples (marked as a reverted Greek E followed by ij) standard weights. One Dram is equal to 3 Scruples, and one scruples is equal to 20 grains.

This set is dated to 1850 according to the English Design Registry Mark impressed on the weights, a comprehensive chart of which can be found in All About Antique Silver with International Hallmarks. In addition, the apothecaries system has been superseded in 1864, as indicated in Scientific Instruments, 1500-1900: An Introduction, p. 123.

A brief history of the maker, William and Thomas Avery, can be found in this page.

Close Up Back View of a 1 Dram piece