Viking folding scales

$61.88
2 weeks
(catalogue number: FPR7419)

Viking bronze scales - replica. Detailed replica of authentic Viking folding scales, which were made according to historical models from the 11th century.

The Viking scales consist of two bowl scales which are attached to the folding arm by small chains. When folded, the arm and chains fit into the overlapping bowl scales.

To ensure that the folding scales can be safely transported and stored, we also offer a practical leather case for these Viking scales.

Our replica corresponds in size and design to the original folding Viking scales and has the following dimensions. Bowl length: 4,8 cm.

For weighing, coins or chopped silver are placed in one bowl of the Viking folding scales and balanced on the other side with weights until the pointer in the middle of the scales is vertical.

Of course, you can also buy suitable weights from us for the correct use of the Viking scales.

With the beginning of the Viking era, the prevailing exchange trade in Scandinavia gradually changed towards a monetary economy based on weights, which is well documented by the many finds of folding Viking scales.

While early Viking scales had bowls attached with strings of organic material, from the 11th century onwards it was common to use fine bronze chains for folding scales.

For some Viking scales there were even lockable bronze boxes in which the folding scales could be safely stored.

In addition to so-called chopped silver, the Vikings used their folding scales to weigh silver coins, the value of which depended on their weight. Coinage in Scandinavia began in Denmark around the middle of the 8th century.

Since it was absolutely essential in this kind of barter that the appropriate weight could be measured very accurately, scales were indispensable to the Viking merchant.

For example, for one ounce of gold (about 28 grams), one could get the following value in return: 8 ounces of silver or 4 milk cows or 24 sheep. An adult male slave, however, was worth a full 12 ounces of silver.

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