Collectibles-General (Antiques)/history of scales

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Expert: - 10/28/2008


Question

Scales
Could you please give me any information on these scales. I was told that they were bakers scales but I don't know if that is correct. They have been well used but are in excellent condition. The base could be oak with a finely carved design, The top appears to be marble in excellent condition. The pans are brass. I can't find a makers mark on them and I don't know how old they are. Any information would be appreciated. I have other pictures if needed.

Answer
Hi Rosalyn,

We believe that your scale was manufactured by Henry Troemner of Philadelphia, PA.  His 1928 catalog of "Balances, Scales and weights for Chemists, Assayers, Jewelers, Druggists and other commercial and Scientific Purposes" included several similar scales but none with the exact design of yours. These "Box Counter Scales" were made from oak, ash cherry or mahogany with Tennessee or white marble tops. Our research has shown that Tennessee marble tends towards rose colors as shown on the following website: http://www.tnmarble.com/ .  These box scales were made in capacities of 5, 8, or 10 pounds. The original pans would have been marked with the company name. 5 lb capacity scales had 8" diameter pans, 8 lb scales were equipped with 9" diameter pans and 10 lb scales had 10" pans. The sensibility of these scales was 20 grains.

Retail value might be $150-$300.

Hope this helps.

Weigh Daily!!!

Bill & Jan Berning

Bill & Jan Berning

Expertise

We can answer almost any question regarding antique scales of any type.

Experience

We are dealers in antique coin operated penny scales and parts. We collect antique scales of all types. Bill has been buying and selling scales and mail order penny scale parts since 1983. Jan started collecting small scales of all types in 1977. Our combined collection of antique scales contains over 2200 scales. We are the authors of the book Scales: A Collector's Guide and The revised & Expanded 2nd Edition of Scales: A Collector's Guide. Jan is the editor of "Equilibrium" the journal of The International Society of Antique Scale Collectors. Our website is www.PennyScale.com

Organizations
The International Society of Antique Scale Collectors www.isasc.org, Coin Operated Collectors Association

Publications
Articles by or about the Bernings have appeared in issues of “Southeastern Antiquing and Collecting Magazine”, “This Old House”, "Reminisce", “Equilibrium” and “Country Living”.

Education/Credentials
Jan: BS FACS & Art University of Georgia

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