Product description
These detailed scale weights are modeled exactly after original bronze weights from the Viking Age. Each weight precisely measures 2, 4, 6, and 10 grams. Viking folding scales emerged in the second half of the 9th century and quickly spread throughout the Baltic region.These scales required corresponding weights, which arrived in the north along with the folding scales through the flow of silver from Arabian regions. To use the scales, place silver — either in the form of coins or silver bullion — in one pan, then add the appropriate bronze weight to the other side until the scale balances.
Viking scale weights typically came in three forms: cubooctahedron weights, which were cube-shaped with cut-off corners and had dots or punched circles to indicate their weight; ball zone weights, which were spherical with flattened top and bottom sections and decorative dots; and double-zone weights, which were conical in shape and appeared more often at the turn of the 10th to 11th century. Despite the lack of centralized authority, the Vikings managed to standardize weight measurements, though some merchants used personal weight systems. Early Viking weights were made from iron covered with a thin bronze or copper alloy skin. By the late 10th century, weights were typically made entirely from copper alloys such as bronze.
