Set of nested brass weights, Europe, 1601-1700

Made:
1601-1700 in Europe
Set of 17th century brass weights for wool Lefthand side

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Set of 17th century brass weights for wool
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Lefthand side
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Set of 17th century brass weights for wool

Decorated with horses and aquatic animals, these brass weights (weighing more than 15 kg in total) were used to weigh sheep’s wool – a very valuable commodity in the 1600s. Shearing and spinning wool was not without its health hazards. A type of anthrax that affected the lungs was transmitted to humans from the wool of infected sheep and became known as Wool Sorters Disease. The brass weights are pictured here with another set of nested weights (A5942).

Details

Category:
Wellcome (general)
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A167830
Materials:
brass
Measurements:
overall: 290 mm 160 mm, 15.615kg
type:
weights
credit:
Wellcome Trust (Purchased from Stevens)