Force - Force - Balance or scale - Gilt brass, Cast iron - Antique benchtop scale

Old Roberval bench scale 'Force' 5 Kg with Brass Plates 'G. Testut - Rouen' – France, early 20th century (1904)
Splendid and fascinating antique desktop balance of Roberval type, with a maximum load of 5 Kg, produced in France at the beginning of the twentieth century. This specimen represents a perfect and genuine snapshot of French commercial history, preserving a beautiful patina of time and mechanical details of great interest to collectors and enthusiasts of modern antiques.
Characteristics and Historical Details:
• The Base (Force): The supporting structure is made of heavy cast iron shaped in the iconic original dark green color with gold reliefs. It features the raised inscription of the capacity "5 KILOG".
• The Historical Metric Lead: On the front of the base is the original intact lead metric verification seal, stamped with the letter "N" inside a circle. In French metric registers of the era, this specific millesimal attests official conformity control and market introduction in 1904.
• The Plates (G. Testut): The two concave brass plates are an exceptional historical value-added feature. Both bear the circular original stamp of the legendary manufacturer "G. TESTUT" (the French metric authority of the time), with the dealer/mark of the era: "MAUDIN - ROUEN - RUE DE LA SAVONNERIE". This combination testifies to the instrument’s real life, whose plates were replaced or assembled at the time in Normandy for local market use.
• The Mechanisms: On the upper iron arm are clearly visible the old geometric marks of workshop punching for calibrating the knives. The underside shows the counter-relief and the Roberval parallelogram structurally sound and free of welds or breaks.
Aesthetic and mechanical conditions:
The scale presents in good vintage preserved condition. The mechanism has been tested, is unlocked and swings freely. The arc indicator needle has been accurately balanced and zeros correctly at the center. Aesthetically it shows a magnificent authentic patina with the original paint partially preserved and some superficial rust blooms (dry, not spreading) on the cast iron that enhance its antique charm. The brass plates show slight historical oxidation that preserves the legibility of the marks.
Indicative dimensions:
• Length: about 45 cm
• Capacity: 5 Kg
A piece of industrial and kitchen furniture with great character, perfect for collectors of measuring instruments or for styling rustic and commercial environments.