Balance Beam Pointer and Stirrup

Balance beam pointer and stirrup, copper alloy, dated to 14th century.

This copper balance beam was found during the excavations of the Brighton Hill South site in Basingstoke. Two chains would have hung from either end of the long balance beam each ending in a small scale-pan. Due to its size it is possible that it would have been used to weigh coins or perhaps small portions of goods such as dyes or herbs.  

 

Its presence could suggest the use of money and the trade of high value goods took place in the village. 

This object was feature in 'Basingstoke's My Home at the Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery exhibition celebrating immigration in Basingstoke throughout time.

This object was audited and researched as part of the Heritage Fund Data Hunters and Story Gatherers project.  

 

 
 

a case with five objects. top the copper balance beam with its pointer upward and the balance beam at an angle to illustrate movement each end of balance has thin wires arranged to illustrate the small pans that would have hung at either end. left two roman copper brooches one slightly bigger than the other. right small dagger with bone handle. bottom small figure of a bound celtic captive front facing with hole through the back to be worn around the neck.