Apothecary Weight & Eagle Medallion?

[steelheadwill]

Apothecary Weight & Eagle Medallion?

Ok, from my own research, I believe this is an apothecary weight,
can only find pix of square ones to compare, but 'two scruples' is a giveaway, here's the question, my tables show a scruple equals approx 1.3 grams, this 2 scruple peice weighs 2.2 grams, .4 grams is a lot missing from a piece in faily good condition??
Have included new pic of 'eagle medallion' hoping someone may be able to provide clues to its origins. 1-1/2" H X 1-1/4" W(no markings on back)
Thanks & HH !! SHW

 

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[DCMatt]

Re: Apothecary Weight & Eagle Medallion?

Henry Troemner (H.T.) of Philadelphia

Need pics of the back and size reference for the eaglye item...

DCMatt

 

[DCMatt]

Re: Apothecary Weight & Eagle Medallion?

The eagle item is a watch fob. You can see where the loop broke off at the top.

DCMatt

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Apothecary Weight & Eagle Medallion?

Ok, from my own research, I believe this is an apothecary weight,
can only find pix of square ones to compare, but 'two scruples' is a giveaway, here's the question, my tables show a scruple equals approx 1.3 grams, this 2 scruple peice weighs 2.2 grams, .4 grams is a lot missing from a piece in faily good condition??

http://cgi.ebay.ca/TWO-DRACHM-3-ii-H.TROEMNER--PHILA-Apothecary-Weights_W0QQitemZ260531390979QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20100101?IMSfp=TL100101216001r4489

I think you will lose some weight in the ground.

In the book "Tokens and Medals" by Alpert & Elman, is the information that these tokens were used in the United States and in England from about the 1840's to 1940's. It is difficult to date individual tokens, as the same designs were in use for long periods of time. These tokens are relics of times in the past when coins were used as weights. These weight tokens were used to weigh items in small double-pan balances. Druggests were one of the largest users of these tokens, so they are often called "apothecary weights" or "pharmacists weights." They were useful for weighing when high accuracy was not required, but dirt would accumulate in the crevices, reducing accuracy over time. When electronic scales were developed in the mid-20th century, these token weights quickly became obsolete.

Weights were commonly issued in sets of six: 1/2 scruple, 1 scruple, 2 scruples, 1/2 drachm (dram), 1 drachm (dram), and 2 drachms (drams). Some weights in "grams" are also known. For reference:


20 grains = 1 scruple = 1.14 grams
3 scruples = 1 drachm (dram) = 3.41 grams
8 drachms = 1 troy ounce = 27.3 grams

 

[DCMatt]

Re: Apothecary Weight & Eagle Medallion?

I poked around a little more...

The watch fob is from the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Looks like an early one. You can see a later one here:

http://www.rubylane.com/shops/rachelsattic/item/80017J

DCMatt

 

[mountainplayer]

Re: Apothecary Weight & Eagle Medallion?

Cool finds, Steelheadwill.

I found a similar apothecary weight coin this past week. Manufacturer is the same, too.
http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,309614.0.html

It's weird how finds seem to come in groups. A long time will pass without me seeing anyone posting a certain type of coin, for example, then all of a sudden several are found within a few days of each other. Maybe you and I can take credit for starting the run of new-found druggist weights!

MP

 

[steelheadwill]

Re: Apothecary Weight & Eagle Medallion?

Thanks to all for the research !!
got the green check on both these items!!

 

[steelheadwill]

Re: Apothecary Weight & Eagle Medallion?

Alright !! solved.
my theory: watch fob breaks, owner removes preciuos metal token & discards.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Apothecary Weight & Eagle Medallion?

I think Matt got it. I see the eagle bottom right. http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/fraternalism/eagles.htm
Cant find one lookingleft.

 

[steelheadwill]

Re: Apothecary Weight & Eagle Medallion?

Thanks again for all the help!
Found this coca cola swastika promo during my research.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Apothecary Weight & Eagle Medallion?

Thanks again for all the help!
Found this coca cola swastika promo during my research.

Swastika was a symbol for good luck before the Nazis used it.

 

[steelheadwill]

Re: Apothecary Weight & Eagle Medallion?

Very much so, through many cultures, including USA, Note town of Swastika Wisconsin