AboutBill & 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
Question Hey Bill & Jan...Thanks for your service and your advice...I have a set of balance scales with a single beam that is in 1/4 oz.graduations,up to one pound. However the scale will handle up to five pounds. They were sold by the Exact Weight Scale Company of Mississauga Ontario Canada, and were a subsidary of Franklin Electric 1191 Crestlawn Dr. also in Mississauga Ont.Weights and Measures Cert. on 10-5-78. Type 100, Ser.# 361453. Can.Appr. No. SWA-25. This set has a aluminum base that measures 13"wide, 5 1/4"deep 2 3/4"high and a aluminum tower 13 1/2"high that houses a red indicator needle that points at an adjustable plate on the inside of the tower that says "Over Under" that has for increment markings on each side of the center mark, and is visible on both sides of the tower. Each of the trays are stainless steel, one round that comes apart and has various things in it used for weight calibration,, I presume, and the other is flat and square. What can you tell me about this set? Do they have any antique value, the quality in it's day, and the approx.value when they were new. Again, THANK YOU for your help! Steve
Answer Hi Steve,
The Smith Scale Co., manufacturer of the Exact Weight Scales, was "organized in 1916, for the purpose of making scales under the patents of Walter Standish Smith." Smith later changed its name to Exact Weight Scale Co., was in Columbus, OH and was in business at least until 1973 as evidenced by patents assigned to the company. Your Under/Over Scale was most likely manufactured in the 1920s to the 1940s and is made of cast aluminum. Retail value might be from $50-$150 depending on condition.
