Steelyard weight

A steelyard is a type of weighing apparatus, where goods are hung from one end and a weight is slid along the arm until the steelyard stays horizontal. This lead steelyard weight was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire.

The chain from which the steelyard weight was suspended still survives. The weight is plain.

The Roman world had a highly standardised system for weighing goods. Objects were weighed either on a balance from which pans were suspended or on a steelyard. Most steelyard weights are plain, as this example, but some are ornamental.

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Online ID:	000-100-037-288-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.FRA 1118
Date:	Between 80 and 100 AD
Material:	Lead
Dimensions:
What:	Weight, steelyard
Subject:
Who:	Newstead Collection
Where:	Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
Event:
Description:	Steelyard weight of lead from Newstead
References:	Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p 309, Pl. LXXXIII, 9.
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