Antique Apothecary/Pharmacist Balance Weight Set, Frederick Stearns & Co.

Description

This is an antique Pharmacist Weight Set made by the Frederick Stearns & Company of Detroit, Michigan.  It is not dated but the Company was in business for a number of years beginning in 1855 until the 1920's and their logo is imprinted on the lid of the set.  The weights are made of brass in a walnut case with 14 of the original set still in their places plus four other weights included that are not part of the original set.  Many of the weights are tarnished; the walnut case has what appears to be old cigarette burns.  We left them as they were found.  The case measures about 6.5 inches long, 3.75 inches wide, and 2 inches in height.   It weighs 1 pound, 4 ounces.
The Frederick Stearns Company of Detroit, Michigan has an interesting history.  The son of the original founder, also named Frederick Stearns,  expanded the Company and was quite successful.  At one time he owned the Detroit Wolverines Professional Baseball Team and turned it into a powerhouse.  They won the National League Pennant in 1887 then went on to win the World Series against St. Louis.  (All of which has nothing to do with this particular weight set but the Detroit Wolverines team history is an interesting read )
In the 1800's to mid 1900's, pharmacists typically made their own medicines by combining a number of ingredients and using a balance scale to accurately measure the correct amounts.  A weight set like this could be found in every  pharmacist's laboratory.  Even a partial set is of interest and we invite you to look this one over.  We have an antique apothecary balance scale currently listed on eBay and this set would be a nice compliment to it.  We can ship it inexpensively within the U.S. and accept returns for any reason.