These scales are of interest as they are a reminder of the long history of Chinese settlement in Australia and of the value placed on even very small amounts of gold. Commonly used by Chinese miners and storekeepers at a time when goods were often paid for in gold, they were designed to be highly portable.

Opium or gold scales (do'tchin) in case, brass / ivory / wood, maker unknown, China, 1840-1860

A Chinese steelyard scale consisting of a ivory scale rod with a brass pan and weight, all stored in a varnished, wooden, paddle shaped case. The case consists of two halves with the lid attached to the base by a rivet. The lid swivels open to reveal areas that have been hollowed out to fit the rod, weight and pan. The ivory scale rod has black dots marking off the weight scale. The brass pan is joined to the rod with four strings and the detached oval weight is also attached to string.

Maker: unknown; China; 1840 - 1860

H9429

1840 - 1860