Indian Iron Weighing Scale

A long dark pole with two hooks, a ring, and a bell on a chain.

This iron weighing scale is from India, and dates to the early 20th century. India has a long record of trade in spices, grain and metals, and exact weighing was part of the daily exchange in markets and workshops. Slender dark rod topped with a small cup. Two curved hooks and a loose ring hang near the top, and a small bell dangles from a short chain near the bottom. Surface is darkened and rusty. It is 43 inches wide.

Part tool, part wind chime, entirely mysterious.