Jockey Scale by W. & T. Avery

A fantastic piece of horse racing history, this English jockey scale was specially crafted by W. & T. Avery of Birmingham. These handsome scales were used at English tracks to determine the jockey’s weight before a big race. This was done to prevent any one jockey from being lighter than the rules regulated since it would give him and his horse the utmost advantage over their competitors. Crafted of oak, this example features a tufted leather seat with padded arms and a beautifully crafted, built-in iron scale.

The British firm of W. & T. Avery was founded in the early 18th century and took its name from two brothers, Thomas and William Avery, who purchased the company in 1813. Specializing in scales and weighing machines, the brothers quickly established themselves as leaders of British industry in their craft. From jockey scales such as the present piece to high precision apothecary scales, butcher scales, and grain scales, the range of their products earned them a reputation as the premier scale manufactory of their age.

Scale marked "Avery"

Circa 1880

37" high x 32 7/8" wide x 24 1/8" deep