Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Fairbanks Scale

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Expert: Bill & Jan Berning - 3/24/2008


Question

fairbanks scale
I bought this scale 15yrs ago and need the space in my garage. I was wondering:
1) what it might be worth.  
2)is it worth fixing up before I sell it or just to recycle it.
It is missing the back board that you set the pillars on. There are some patent stamps on it from about 1875.

Answer
Hi Chris,

Most collectors are not that interested in something so large for their collections.  You might be able to sell the post the beams and the board with the Fairbanks name on it to a collector, but chances of selling the platform  and levers underneath are slim.  The parts we mentioned might retail for $100-$200.

Hope this helps.

Weigh Daily!!!

Bill & Jan

Hi Chris,

We received a letter today concering a buyer for your scale if you still have it. It follows:

Hello Bill and Jan,

   My name is Phil Kaminski, and I am interested in an old industrial scale like the person asked you about in their Question on 3/24/2008. I would like to purchase such a scale for my old shop as conversation piece. I am Semi-Retired Geologist and now am a Serious Amateur Photographer. Could I get in touch with these folks if they are in the United States? I live in Chicago and would like to buy the whole thing, not just parts. Thank you. Phil

Please send your email address to us at i-weigh-u@comcast.net so that we can give it to Phil and he can contact you if it is still for sale. We have also asked for his Email address. Email addresses are not given to us on this forum.

Thanks.

Weigh Daily!!!

Bill & Jan

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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