1st century BC-3rd century AD. A set of copper-alloy scales with round-section tapering arm, pierced lobe to each end, central pivoting arm with 'drum-shaped' finial; two shallow dished bronze bowls, each with three piercings close to the rim, one stamped with the maker's or owner's mark 'ANNAE'(?) for the name ANNAEUS. See Kölner Münzkabinett, Auktion 52 Münzwaagen und Münzgewichte 19 Marz 1991, Köln, 1991, p. 6, for similar balance and pan scales.26.4 grams total, 2.8-16.5cm (1 - 6 1/2"). From the collection of a Surrey gentleman; acquired 1970-1980. Usually two kinds of balances were used in the Greco-Roman world. A bar with quick scale with acorn-shaped or head-shaped weight, or a central bar fitted with chains from which conventional pan scales hang; the latter were mainly used for the small weights. The basis of the Roman weight units was the libra, also called (Italicum) pondus in late Roman times (pounds at 327.45 grams), which was divided into 12 unciae (ounces at 27.29 grams"). 2 ½ unciaewere combined to form an acetabulum (68.22g vinegar bowl"). 100 librae resulted in a centenarium (Greek kentenarion, hundredweight of 32.745 kg"). The smallest unit in use was the 1/24 uncia weighing scripulum (1.14g"). The smallest known unit was 1/144 ounce weighing 0.19 grams. [3]