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Islamic 18th Century Cruciform Rocker Coin Balance. This is a wooden hand rocker with rounded spatula shaped ends opening out from the center into two crossed balance plates; the ends have steps cut into them to accommodate different coins marked with numeral inscriptions on one side: 44 51 55 and on the other 88 100 110. The counterweight balance is corrected with lead inserted into the wood. The Muslim world copied the idea from the Byzantines. The hand rockers were used until the beginning of the 20th century. Some were made of ivory brass nickel or bone as well as wood. Three lead inserts are missing. Overall length 11 cm (4.3 inches). |
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