Collection Search
Corneau-Diller balance scale and weights
- Creator:
- unknown
- Location:
- unknown place made
- Origin Date:
- 1800-1830
- Materials:
- metal
- Measurements:
- overall: 3 3/4 in x 12 1/4 in x 5 in
- Item ID:
- 71.2009.082.0488a-e
- Holding Institution:
- Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum
- Available for Viewing:
- No
- Category:
- Three-dimensional Objects
Description
a) Black cast iron balance scale features two circular trays suspended on a frame attached to a base. b-e) Four round cast iron weights with the measurement embossed in the center. They include two 2-lb weights, one 1-lb weight, and one 8-oz weight. This scale was used in the Corneau-Diller Drug Store in Springfield, Illinois, during the period of time when Lincoln was a frequent visitor and customer of the store. The historical marker inscription includes the following: "In 1849 partners Roland W. Diller and Charles S. Corneau opened their store on the east side of the public square. With its big stove and circle of chairs amid cluttered shelves of drugs, pills, patient medicines and other articles, it became a favorite place for men—-including Abraham Lincoln—-to congregate and discuss politics, social happenings, and swap stories." Illustrations of the public square where the drug store was located in Springfield were published in the December 22, 1860, issue of Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper which can be viewed online at the following URL: https://archive.org/stream/franklesliesilluv1112lesl#page/n67/mode/2up The drug store can be seen in the illustration of the east side of the square. Part of the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum