About this objectA steelyard or steelyard balance is used to weigh objects. Diamond section arm with notches & engraved figures. Supported by large hook over a pointer. Two hanging brackets below, one with a hook. Donated as part of a set of tools in 1968. The tools included a pitchfork head, bricklayer's trowel and a carpenter's auger. The tools of someone doing a number of physical jobs. Perhaps the user was a farmer, who would need to be multi skilled to maintain their farm. Or maybe the original user was a handyman, happy to turn their skills and tools to any task.
Where these tools were used and by whom was unfortunatley not included with our records from the time. They were donated by a woman living in Redhill, Rushden. A village in North Hertfordshire. Perhaps these were associated with a husband or father or brother. Or perhaps the donor herself was able buck the trend of the mid 20th century and turn her hands to working with this variety of tools.
