A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks

A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks

£0

An exceptionally rare small set of apothecary scales in a hand carved primitive case of excellent colour and patination.   Unusually on both the case, and the pans witch marks are depicted in the form of hexafoils. Witch marks - known as apotropaic marks and were more usually carved on buildings, on beams and near doors and windows to ward off evil spirits.  

The patina, wear and a colour and exceptional and probably result from being carried around and handled regularly.   The witch mark on the case is worn from regular handling. These are usually seen in the daisy wheel, or hexafoil, as depicted in this case.

An single thread on one pan needs replacing.

A truly rare, most likely unique, piece.

Provenance: formerly in a private collection, prior to this by repute from a museum

14 cm x 7 cm x 3.5 cm

British, 17th century.

 

A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
A rare set of 17th century apothecary scales in primitive case with witch marks
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