Defective weights and measures.

[Top-of-the-hill]

   I am reading a press cutting from 1855, where several local traders were before the Petty Sessions for having defective weights and measures in their possession. The one I am interested in is the blacksmith, who was fined considerably more than the miller, the butcher and the grocers. I am trying to think why a smith would need weights and measures, unless he was making them?
   The answer will probably be obvious when someone tells me.

[Skoosh]

I think you're probably right with false weights. Iron weights had a square recess in the base where those underweight were adjusted with molten lead & stamped with a crown. Alternatively this blacksmith was buying scrap with false weights.

Skoosh.

[mike175]

From the limited information it does seem likely that the blacksmith was supplying the false weights to the other traders. He would have the equipment to make or alter them.

[Skoosh]

Iron weights were cast iron  so not made by a blacksmith but he might have been adding extra lead. Folk have been transported for less! They also used lead for fixing railings etc' & might have been short-changing folk selling it!

Skoosh.

[LFS]

My 2 x great grandfather was prosecuted for this .  He was using a spring balance which can stretch over time so they accepted it was unintentional.  He was still fined, mind.  I expect he soon bought a new balance scale.
Derby girl

[Top-of-the-hill]

   That's interesting - I hadn't thought of a spring balance.
   It sounds as if my man may have been making or tampering with the weights for others.