Bronze animal shaped weights of the Burmese Empires, known as opium weights, have become a highly sought after Asian antique collectible.
The term opium weight is somewhat a misnomer. While there is little doubt that Burmese animal weights were used to measure opium, their use was more widely applied to weighing a variety of substances including silver ingots, pearls, precious stones, coral, spices, musk and expensive medicines. Dome shaped marble weights were used to weight more commonplace items.
The History of Opium Weights
The earliest known opium weights date back to at least the 14th century, though unfortunately it is believed that many of the earlier weights were melted down to be remolded into new shapes. The production of opium weights ceased shortly after the British forcefully incorporated Burma into the British Raj in 1885.
The Weights listed below were brought back to South Africa around 1898 - 1901 by a British Envoy from Hong Kong. So they certainly pre-date 1895.
and therefor are Genuine and not fakes.
Please Read This If You Are Successful In your Bid
Please make sure that payment is made no later than 72 hours after the auction has ended unless a different arrangement has been agreed to with me. This can be discussed after the auction has closed. Please use your Bid or Buy User Name or the Items Order Number as a Reference when making Payment. If I have not had a response from you within one week of the Auction closing, I will file a SNC Alert with Bidorbuy. This in turn could severely curtail future trading with me or even other members on Bidorbuy.
Please take special note
Before Placing Neutral or Negative Ratings if you are not happy for whatever reason, Please contact me. Remember any problem can be solved through good communication and respect. Failure to address issues and communicate with me directly in a decent manner may earn you an instant NEGATIVE rating from my side. I am generally very accommodating. I will respond according to the way I am treated.
MY POSTAGE COSTS I TRY TO KEEP AS LOW AS I CAN, BUT PLEASE REMEMBER I HAVE TO BUY BUBBLE WRAP, TAPE ETC.
While every effort is undertaken to have your item sent to you as soon as possible, I have to wait for the funds to reflect in my account. Please check with me if you are not sure about Shipping Costs. Once the Item is handed in at the post office, I cannot be held liable for loss or damage. Naturally, I will be as accommodating as possible in the event something is damaged in transit.
INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS WELCOME
International customers:please contact the seller for instructions. All applicable duties or taxes that might be levied by your particular country will be the responsibility of the buyer. All items are shipped via registered airmail (tracking numbers will be provided). All shipping fees are payable by the buyer. International shipments are weight dependent, so if a combined shipment of items breaches a weight threshold, a higher postage fee will be payable. An invoice will be sent after auction close. Every care is taken to ensure that the items arrive in the same condition they are dispatched in.
Please NoteI reserve the right to close any auction prematurely at any time where the item has no bids. If you seriously want an item, please place an early bid.
