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 Hello my name is Bill Marti and I have recently obtained my grandfathers standing scale that he used in his grocery store, this was in the 1920-1950 range he past away whenhe was 95yrs old. I saw the last date that is was certified was in 1957. The only #that I was able to obtain at this time was r.71163, It is a blue stand up with about 3-500lb weights I don't know if they are all there. It has a wood base and is on four steel wheels. His store was in Seattle Wa. The scale is at my mothers house now I will be picking it up in the next few months. It is a little rusty now but I have a couple fairbanks dealer numbers that I may call to see about getting things cleaned up. I love the item and am so excited about it. I do not want to get rid of it, my dad past away last year and remembers playing on it when he was a child(he was born in 1935). Does this sound like it could be of any value other than sentamental? If so what do you think it is worth and how much should I spend getting it fixed up without going overboard?
Well thank you and I'll be loking for your responce.
sorry I don't have an image now. I may be able to get one this month though if that would help.
Answer Hi Bill,
Scales, like the Fairbanks platform scale that belonged to your grandfather, are indeed priceless to those of us who have inherited them. We, as collectors, are purists at heart and want our scales to look good while maintaining their aged appearance. It is a given that the rust process should be stopped so that the metal does not deteriorate any further. It is your decision whether you want the scale to look like new or want to retain its aged paint. Either way will not effect its value to you. Retail value might be $75-$150 depending on design(some platform scales were quite ornate) and condition.
