Scales

This set of bronze scales was found in a man's grave at Kiloran Bay on Colonsay in the Inner Hebrides. He was buried in a boat with a range of Scandinavian weapons, tools and pin. He was probably a trader as well as a warrior.

The scales are an equal arm balance. The unornamented pans were attached to the end of the beam by three chains each. The form and use of three chains suggest that the scales may have been made in the British Isles.

Scales have been found throughout the Viking world, and must have been much used in a society which weighed precious metals for payment. Most, though not all, Viking examples are folding, and attach to the pans with four chains.

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