pendulum scale, maker W.B. Nicolson
This pendulum scale is made by W.B. Nicolson (Scientific Instruments) Ltd. from Glascow, in Scotland. The scale goes up to 200 grams and up to 7 ounces. There is a hanging hook at the bottom of the vertical bar for use in specific gravity measurements. This Butchart scale is shown in the 1964 catalog of A. Gallenkamp & Co. Ltd., from London. I don't know why it is named the Butchart balance. Measured on the top edge of the scale dish, the height is 48 centimeters. On the scale silicone damping is mentioned as an option. On the back of the scale a paper instructions is glued. A patent application has been made, (Patent Pending). On a later copy the patent number 765814 is mentioned on the paper instruction, so a patent has been obtained, the GB765814 published on January 16, 1957. The patent application was started on November 11, 1954. My Butchart balance therefore dates from between November 11, 1954 and January 16, 1957. The control knob to switch the damping on or off is missing on the example shown here. The red dot mentioned in the instructions and a component to be rotated on the main shaft do indicate the presence of said damping unit.
On the internet at the Dundee Heritage Trust another incomplete copy can be seen, which still has a damping control knob on the main axis, see here.
I have not been able to find anything about Butchart, the presumed name giver of this pendulum scale.
Below some more pictures of this Butchart pendulum scale.
back of the Butchart pendulum scale
