French cast iron Apothecary weight with scale sword snake mirror & branch.
39.55mm. 42.10g
Cast iron same design both sides with the rim stamped DEPOSEÂ 40 on one side.
This indicates French origin and dates to about 1880.
However the design gives us a puzzle: the scale and snake indicate an apothecary use but the sword may indicate a military use, or simply symbolise truth and justice.
The weight at 42.1g is not really helpful
This is a well made piece probably made to weigh something specific.
