Pair of small scales used by a prospector
Date made: 19th century
Description: A pair of scales, in a box. Used in the gold fields by a Peel Man, James Morrison, at Ballarat, Australia. Ballarat was the centre of the Australian goldfields from 1851 during the Australian gold rush. It peaked between 1852 and 1853.
See his obituary in Peel City Guardian 17 February 1917. Died in Peel aged 83. "He saw life in the Australian goldfields and was at Ballarat when the memorable riots took place. Of the Manxmen he met there and of the life led by the men in the canvas cities he could give a fascinating description."
Measurements: overall: 3 x 21 x 6 cm
Materials: metal, wood
Object name: balance
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 1954-2757