Chinese Weighing Scales

Chinese Weighing Scales

British Columbia,
Gold Rush
Chinese Migration
Gold

This is a set of Chinese weighing scales, which were used to measure the weight and worth of gold found in British Columbia. The gold found would be placed on one side of the scales, and one of the weights would be placed on the other, when both are balanced, an estimate of the weight of the gold found can be given. During the 19th Century Chinese migrants made their way to British Columbia to join the search for gold with both native Americans and settlers from the west too. The worth of gold was largely based on its weight, therefore knowing the weight of the gold was very important for those wanting to make money. Relating to themes of the Gold Rush and Chinese migration, the weighing scales are an example of how the endeavour for gold was not one solely sought after by settlers from the west.

Unknown

Royal BC Museum, Learning Portal, http://learning.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/search-results/?search_field=gold

19th century

Robert Catarinicchia

Royal British Columbia Museum
For teaching, research and scholarly purposes only

N/A

Material object - wood & metal

19th century British Columbia