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Howard & Davis Gold Standard Balance, 1842-1857

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Mining Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Howard & Davis Gold Standard Balance, 1842-1857
SOLD
21,500.00USDto T*****9+ buyer's premium (4,192.50)
This item SOLD at 2014 Dec 10 @ 13:05UTC-8 : PST/AKDT
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The #1 Gold Rush balance. Treasured for its precision and fine construction in the 1850's, and coveted by collectors today. Miners claimed they were so accurate they could weigh a pencil mark. This will be the crown jewel of your Gold Rush collection. Perhaps less than half a dozen are in private hands.

This particular balance made its way from California to Montana in the 1860's, so it was most likely used in both the California and Montana Gold Rushes.

This is the smaller, rarer version of the balance. Its marble base measures 24" x 9." From the top of the base, the scale is approx. 20" high. All the tell-tale signs that this is completely original: agate balance points' "R" and "L" on arm handles, engraved top, and cross bow center.

The engraving at the top reads:
Gold Standard Balance
Howard & Davis
Manufacturers, Boston, U.S.A.
Full Jewelled

Condition: excellent. It does show some cosmetic signs of use and travel. For example, a small metal piece is missing from the fine-tuning switch, but this could easily be fabricated if so desired. (see photo)

The firm of Howard & Davis was founded in 1842 by Edward Howard and David P. Davis. They were originally known for their high-quality clocks and balances, before also manufacturing sewing machines, and fire engines. Davis left the firm in 1857 and the firm dissolved.

This company was the highest quality manufacturer of balances in America, but they did not advertise in the Boston directory. Their biggest competitor, Fairbanks, took advantage of this in 1855.

These choice and rare balances are on exhibit at the Wells Fargo Museum in San Francisco and the Keck Museum at the Mackay School of Mines in Reno. They are so rare that they are not listed in Shannon's work on assay balances.

Date: c.1857
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ID: 23326