Name 1
WEIGHING SCALE AND FILLING STEEL FLASKS WITH MERCURY
Name 2
/
ID number
002.278.Idrija
Manager / Administrator
Idrija Municipal Museum, Prelovčeva 9, SI-5280 Idrija
Ownership
Public
Owner
Municipality of Idrija, Mestni trg 1, SI-5280 Idrija
Local / Original ID Number
510:IDR;RZ-496
Type of Object
Mine, Transport - other transport, Smelting

Description

Short description
WEIGHING SCALE AND FILLING STEEL FLASKS WITH MERCURY
Measures
Length 153 cm, width 53 cm, height 226 cm.
Materials
Iron
Dating
1830
Author / Producer
Manufacturer information is not known.
Picture attachments
Original use
The weighing scale was used for weighing and filling steel flasks with Mercury. In this process, along with other accessories, a larger cast iron vessel, in which the refined mercury was stored, and a measuring cylinder were used. Mercury ran from the vessel through the iron pipe into the measuring cylinder, which was placed on one side of the scale, and from here through the pipe into the steel flask, which was under the table. On the other side of the scale, the weights were placed and when the scale was balanced, the steel flask was filled sufficiently (76 Lb / 34.48 kg). The steel flask was then placed in a box. Then its plug was shut using a vice and turned upside down (bottle neck down). If it was still sealed after one day, the flask was marked. This way it was ready for transport and for the selling to the buyer.
Present use
The weighing scale is being preserved, secured and presented as important mining heritage of Idrija with exceptional universal values. It is a part of the mining collection of the Idrija Municipal Museum. Visitors can view it within the permanent museum exhibition “Five Centuries of the Mercury Mine and the Town of Idrija”. It can be used for different types of mercury heritage promotions.
Original location
The Smelting Plant of the Idrija Mercury Mine.
Present location
Idrija Municipal Museum, Gewerkenegg Castle (showroom 9)..

STATE OF CONSERVATION

History of conservation:
The object is properly preserved. Additional interventions are not necessary. Security of the premises is taken care of.
Present state
good
Necessary activities:
Regular seasonal maintenance.

DOCUMENTATION

Addresses / collections / links etc. where further in-depth information is accessible:
- Inventory Book of the Idrija Municipal Museum;
- Ivica Kavčič: Živo srebro. Zgodovina idrijskega žgalništva. Založba Bogataj, Idrija, 2008.
Submitted
Mestni muzej Idrija
Submitted by
Miha Kosmač
Date Submitted
12. 3. 2018
Date Edited
Never