Balance or scale - Copper, Metal

05
days
21
hours
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minutes
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Zhu Chen
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Estimate  € 100 - € 140
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A vintage mechanical letter scale dating to the 1930s, made of brass-coloured metal with black polished metal components, 21.5 cm high, 14 cm wide and 10 cm deep, originating from Germany, in good used condition and in working order.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

An antique vintage mechanical letter scale (a precision scale for mail items), from the first half of the 20th century (1930). It is a gracefully designed model with a combination of brass-colored metal components, black scale dials, and a glass or polished base. It was made by Jacob Maul from Germany.

Visible features:

* Type: mechanical letter scale with a lever mechanism, “Bilateral”
* Function: intended to determine the weight of letters and small parcels before applying stamps.
* Weighing mechanism: the horizontal top plate rests on a lever construction. As the letter’s weight is applied, an indicator/lever moves along the scale.
* Scale: there are two arched black enamel scales visible. The upper scale is divided up to 1000 grams, while the lower scale provides a finer or supplementary indication up to 250 g.
* Material: copper and black polished metal.

* Style: the design with curved arms, rivets and decorative shapes fits industrial precision instruments from the period when office and postal equipment often also had an aesthetic appeal.

This type of scale was used in offices, post offices, shops, and by individuals who regularly sent correspondence. Today, such pieces are mainly collectors’ items and are valued for their technique and appearance.

An antique vintage mechanical letter scale (a precision scale for mail items), from the first half of the 20th century (1930). It is a gracefully designed model with a combination of brass-colored metal components, black scale dials, and a glass or polished base. It was made by Jacob Maul from Germany.

Visible features:

* Type: mechanical letter scale with a lever mechanism, “Bilateral”
* Function: intended to determine the weight of letters and small parcels before applying stamps.
* Weighing mechanism: the horizontal top plate rests on a lever construction. As the letter’s weight is applied, an indicator/lever moves along the scale.
* Scale: there are two arched black enamel scales visible. The upper scale is divided up to 1000 grams, while the lower scale provides a finer or supplementary indication up to 250 g.
* Material: copper and black polished metal.

* Style: the design with curved arms, rivets and decorative shapes fits industrial precision instruments from the period when office and postal equipment often also had an aesthetic appeal.

This type of scale was used in offices, post offices, shops, and by individuals who regularly sent correspondence. Today, such pieces are mainly collectors’ items and are valued for their technique and appearance.

Details

Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Germany
Material
Copper, Metal
Colour
Black, Yellow
Style
Vintage
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
In Working Order
Yes
Height
21.5 cm
Width
14 cm
Depth
10 cm
Estimated period
1930-1940
BelgiumVerified
Private

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