Gold Scale

Dateca. 1921

Mediummetal, wood, glass

Dimensions20 gram weight: 3/4 × 9/16 in. (1.9 × 1.4 cm)
10 gram weight: 5/8 × 7/16 in. (1.6 × 1.1 cm)
500 mg weight: 9/16 × 1/2 × 1/8 in. (1.4 × 1.3 × 0.3 cm)
5 deci weight: 1/2 × 1/2 in. (1.3 × 1.3 cm)
2 deci weight: 7/16 × 7/16 in. (1.1 × 1.1 cm)
200 mg weight: 7/16 × 7/16 in. (1.1 × 1.1 cm)
1 deci weight: 3/8 × 3/8 in. (1 × 1 cm)
wood box with weights: 7/8 × 2 3/4 × 1/2 in. (2.2 × 7 × 1.3 cm)
5 gram weight: 1/2 × 3/8 in. (1.3 × 1 cm)
2 gram weight: 1/2 × 5/16 in. (1.3 × 0.8 cm)
spoon: 3 1/2 × 1 1/8 × 1/2 in. (8.9 × 2.9 × 1.3 cm)
saucer: 3/8 × 2 1/2 in. (1 × 6.4 cm)
plate: 1/2 × 3 1/2 × 2 7/8 in. (1.3 × 8.9 × 7.3 cm)
needle: 8 1/4 × 9 × 1 1/4 in. (21 × 22.9 × 3.2 cm)
scale plates: 7 × 4 × 1 1/2 in. (17.8 × 10.2 × 3.8 cm)

ClassificationsTools, Implements & Weights

Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, gift of Mr. Paul Kitts

Object numberPC1981.32.1

DescriptionThis gold scale was produced by the L. E. Knott Apparatus Company around the 1920s. The L. E. Knott Apparatus Company was a Boston-based manufacturer and distributor of scientific instruments from 1896 to the 1930s. The scale is encased in a wooden and glass case, with a drawer beneath the main glass pane that houses all the required tools. The scale itself is made of metal, featuring very thin arms that hang down to hold the scale bowls. This object is significant in the context of New Mexico’s history, particularly its gold mining industry. During the early 20th century, New Mexico was a key player in the gold mining boom, and scales like this were essential for accurately weighing gold and other precious metals. The presence of such a scale in the region reflects the importance of precise measurements in the mining process, contributing to the economic development of the state during that time.

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