Counter Weight in the form of an Imperial Bust with a Steelyard and Chain (Primary Title)
Scales with Weight (Alternate Title)

Unknown (Artist)

4th–5th century
Byzantine
Metalwork
Tools, Equipment, Utensils
bronze
Overall (b. steelyard): 16 in. (40.64 cm)
Overall (c. chain): 16 in. (40.64 cm)
67.52.4a-c
Not on view
The lead-filled weight in the form of a bust of a man probably represents the official who guaranteed standards of weight. “Bissos,” inscribed on the scale, may be the owner’s name. Crosses flanking the inscription suggest he was a Christian.
Inscribed on steelyard: "BIZZOY"
Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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