Balance or scale - Brass, Steel - Bilateral system
03
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11
hours
56
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24
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Current bid
€ 15
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ger van Oers
Owned an antiques and curio shop with a large international network.
Estimate € 140 - € 170
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Description from the seller
Vintage bilateral letter scale in brass and lacquered steel, produced in Germany and dating to approximately the 1920s–1950s.
This mechanical postal scale features an open-frame construction with dual graduated arcs, allowing for both coarse and fine weight readings. The so-called “bilateral” system reflects a precise and well-engineered approach to everyday measurement, typical of early to mid-20th century craftsmanship.
The exposed mechanism and geometric brass structure give the piece a strong industrial character, where function and form come together in a visually striking way. Beyond its practical use, it stands as a sculptural object with clear design presence.
The scale is in good vintage condition, showing signs of age and use. The brass has developed a natural patina, while the weighing tray shows visible wear and oxidation consistent with its age. The mechanism appears complete and moves responsively.
Made of brass and steel with a lacquered base.
Origin: Germany
Period: ca. 1920–1950
Dimensions:
Height: 20.5 cm
Width: 15 cm
Depth: 10.4 cm
The scale itself weighs approximately 500 g. A test measurement (see photo) demonstrates accurate and responsive movement of the mechanism.
A fine example of functional design, suitable for collectors of industrial objects, scientific instruments, or vintage office equipment.
Will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking.
Vintage bilateral letter scale in brass and lacquered steel, produced in Germany and dating to approximately the 1920s–1950s.
This mechanical postal scale features an open-frame construction with dual graduated arcs, allowing for both coarse and fine weight readings. The so-called “bilateral” system reflects a precise and well-engineered approach to everyday measurement, typical of early to mid-20th century craftsmanship.
The exposed mechanism and geometric brass structure give the piece a strong industrial character, where function and form come together in a visually striking way. Beyond its practical use, it stands as a sculptural object with clear design presence.
The scale is in good vintage condition, showing signs of age and use. The brass has developed a natural patina, while the weighing tray shows visible wear and oxidation consistent with its age. The mechanism appears complete and moves responsively.
Made of brass and steel with a lacquered base.
Origin: Germany
Period: ca. 1920–1950
Dimensions:
Height: 20.5 cm
Width: 15 cm
Depth: 10.4 cm
The scale itself weighs approximately 500 g. A test measurement (see photo) demonstrates accurate and responsive movement of the mechanism.
A fine example of functional design, suitable for collectors of industrial objects, scientific instruments, or vintage office equipment.
Will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Weight
500 g
Style subtype
Industrial design
Title additional information
Bilateral system
No. of items
1
Country of origin
Germany
Material
Brass, Steel
Colour
Black, Gold
Style
Industrial
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
In Working Order
Yes
Height
20.5 cm
Width
15 cm
Depth
10.4 cm
Estimated period
1920-1930, 1930-1940, 1940-1950
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