GERMANY. Köln (Stadt). Scale and weights 1750 (Brass, 66.00 g). Scale and thirteen weights in a range of 0.16 g to 27.07 g by Henricus Kirch in Cologne. This scale features various gold coin weights such as DUCAT ('ducatt'), GUINEA ('gine'), LOUIS D'OR AU SOLEIL ('Son:pistoll'), LOUIS D'OR MIRLITON ('Mirledon'), PISTOLE ('pistoll') and SOVEREIGN ('Severin') and multiples and/or divisions of those. Unusually well preserved and in original wooden case with dedication and written date. Balance pans and strings remodeled with modern parts, otherwise, good very fine.


Based on the inscription, the exact address of Henricus Kirch can be reconstructed. Today, it is located at the corner of the Alter Markt ('Old Market' in German) and Bechergasse in the city center of Cologne. The orginial inscription (...wohnhafft in Cöllen auff dem alten marct im gülden Engel gegen der becher gassen...) describes his residence precisely. The "gülden Engel" ('Golden Angel' in German) used to be a pharmacy and was located at house number 57, exactly where Bechergasse exits Alter Markt even until today.