A folding balance

The balance was found in a late Saxon pit in High Street in 1975. It comprises the central short bar, from whose suspension loop the balance would hang, with one of the two longer folding arms, from which in turn there hangs an elaborate chain. The stub of the second arm is visible at the other end of the central bar. When in use the arms would be folded down into a horizontal position and little pans would be suspended from the chains.

Acknowledgments: Exeter City council