Two Victorian mahogany cased sets of portable diamond scales, De Grave, Short and Company, mid 19th century Each with sculpted metal pivoted beam incorporating pointer within the suspension armature over hemispherical brass pans contained within a fitted box incorporating lidded compartment enclosing weights calibrated in carats, the lids applied with a paper labels entitled A table by which may be Calculated the Value of any Weight of Diamonds incorporating BY DE GRAVE, SHORT & COMP’Y., (Late M. De Grave & Sons), continuing with 59. ST. MARTIN LE GRAND, LONDON to the larger of the two, the exteriors with brass tweezers contained within a slot to the lower rear right hand corners, the larger with caddy-moulded lid and canted angles flanking brass plate push button clasp to front 17.5cm (6.75ins) wide; the second with cushion rounded lid and base and brass push-button clasp to front, 14.5cm (5ins) wide; with another Victorian cased set of portable diamond scales, De Grave, Short & Fanner, London, mid 19th century, the form the same as the larger of the first two but incorporating BY DE GRAVE, SHORT & FANNER within the paper label applied to the inside of the lid, 12.5cm (5ins approx.) wide, (3). The De Grave family were well known as scientific instrument makers specialising in weights and measures throughout the 19th century. The first member to set up business was Charles De Grave who is recorded in Clifton, Gloria Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851 as working in St. Martin’s le Grand, London from 1780. The business traded as De Grave, Short and Fanner from 59 St. Martin’s Le Grand 1845-71 and was eventually absorbed by W. and T. Avery and Co. Ltd in the early 20th century.