Step back into the bustling commercial and scientific hubs of the Eastern Roman Empire with this beautifully paired duo of authentic Byzantine bronze antiquities, seamlessly integrated with a minimalist, contemporary display.
The Commercial Steelyard Balance:
The centrepiece of this ensemble is an ancient bronze steelyard balance beam measuring 21cm in length. Exhibiting an exceptional, authentic aged olive-green patina, the beam retains its original suspension loops and a spherical counterweight. To elevate its presentation, the scale is professionally mounted onto a modern ebonised block base with a slender matte-black display armature, transforming a historical merchant's tool into a striking piece of sculptural home art. Steelyard balances operate on the principle of a shifting centre of gravity. The commodity to be weighed would move along the longer, graduated arm until the beam balanced horizontally. These were the standard commercial instruments of merchants, tax collectors, and apothecaries across the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Orthopaedic Surgical Tool:
Accompanying the scale is a rare and highly tactile 13cm Byzantine bronze medical instrument. Correctly identified as an orthopaedic bone lever and tissue retractor, this remarkable artifact features a uniquely corrugated, ribbed curved head designed by ancient blacksmiths to secure traction on bone fractures without slipping. The reverse end tapers into a classic olivary probe terminal.
An exceptional acquisition for connoisseurs of ancient history, early medical science, or anyone looking to infuse an elegant modern interior with a tangible piece of antiquity.
Period: Byzantine Empire, c. 5th – 8th Century AD
Scale Dimensions: Length: 21cm (Presented on a custom contemporary ebonised base)
Tool Dimension: Length: 13cm
Material: Cast and hand-worked Bronze
Condition: Excellent archaeological state, showing typical surface pitting and an untouched, authentic historical patina. Fully stable.
If you are interested in these items and you are outside the UK please note that they will be subject to an export license, we will ask for a 10% deposit whilst this is processed, fully returnable should the license not be issued, there is no cost for the license.
These items are offered as a set of collectible items with no present day use.
