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Antique Chinese Hand Scale Steelyard Balance Dotchin in Wooden Case - - $180 (Vancouver bc)
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Description:
Up for sale is a highly collectible and deeply authentic antique traditional Chinese steelyard hand scale (Dotchin or Dengcheng). This beautiful piece of trade history dates back well over 100 years, likely from the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic period.
The scale comes housed in its original, hand-carved hardwood protective case shaped like a violin or paddle, which swivels open to reveal the weighing instruments inside. The set features a measuring rod crafted from bone or bamboo with finely dotted scale increments, along with its original metal weighing pan held by traditional strings. Historically, these portable scales were indispensable tools used by merchants, herbalists, and traders to accurately measure valuable commodities such as silver, gold, precious spices, and traditional medicinal herbs.
• Length of Case: 11.5" (approx. 29.2 cm)
• Type: Traditional Chinese Hand Scale (Dotchin)
• Material: Hardwood Case, Bone/Bamboo Rod, Metal Pan
• Age: Well over 100 years old (Late 19th / Early 20th Century)
• Condition Notes (Sold AS-IS): This is a very old, primitive artifact with an incredible historical look. It is being sold exactly in the condition as shown in the photos ("as-is"). Please expect natural signs of extreme age and authentic wear, including surface scratches, scuffs, weathering to the wood, natural patina on the metal, and age-related wear to the string components. Perfect for antique tool collectors or Asian history enthusiasts.