Expert: Bill & Jan Berning - 2/27/2008

Question
I bought this scale at an estate sale.  When I got home I discovered 2 weights
were missing: the wieght that moved from "OFF" to "ON" AND the weight that
slid across to measure zero to 10 pounds.  I think I can have these made, but
I need to know the weight of those 2 pieces.  I have a picture of both pieces
from an identical scale that was auctioned on eBay that I will send after I mail
this.
Thanks, Sharon W.

Answer
Hi Sharon,

Your scale was listed in the 1896 Howe Scale catalog as follows:
Vermont Counter Scale. Finished in Vermillion and gold, highly ornamented.  Nickel plated double beam and sliding poises.  Beam marked on both sides.  Capacity, 1 ounce to 200 pounds.  Platform, 15 x 12 inches.
No. 593, with extra large 10 scoop,          price $24.00
No. 594, with extra large brass scoop,       price $25.00
No. 597, without scoop,                      price $22.50
No. 598 with marble platform, without scoop, price $24.00
With agate bearings, extra $5.00
with agate bearings and extra fine black and gold finish extra $10.00.
Seamless scoops furnished when ordered, at extra cost.
This scale can be used with or without scoop; has a large platform in proportion to counter a room occupied.  The beam, being set back, will not interfere with high packages, and being placed above the cap can be easily read by both merchant and customer.
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Your scale was listed as follows in the 1923 Howe Scale catalog:

Platform Counter Scales. Capacity, 200 pounds. Beam graduated on both sides.  Upper bar, 1 oz. to 10 lbs. Lower bar, 8 ozs. to 40 lbs. Platform, 15" x 12"

The design of this scale has become standard for counter use where greater capacity is required. Constructed entirely of metal with bronze, nickel-plated beam and sliding poises. The tall pillars bring the beam above the load on the platform, and the double graduations indicate correct weight both to customer and merchant. Nicely finished in Vermillion and gold with ornamentations, this scale presents a very pleasing appearance.

These scales are also equipped with brass or tin scoop and agate bearings in fulcrum stand, when so ordered.

No. 593.  With Tin Scoop
No. 594.  With Brass Scoop
No. 597.  Without Scoop
No. 598. With Marble Platform, without Scoop

Agate Bearings Extra
Note.-Platform sizes show first figure parallel with the beam.


As you can see, these scales were made for many years.
   It seems reasonable to assume that the weight of the scoop poise should equal the weight of the scoop. We are unsure of the weight of the other poise as we do not have one of these scales in our own collection, and the catalog does not list the proper weight. A scale like yours in complete, working condition might retail for $100-300.

Hope this helps.   Weigh Daily!!!

Bill and Jan