Steelyard weight

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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: 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
  Weight, steelyard
  
• 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. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: