letter scale
type B

Velthoen scale type B

This Dutch letter scale is a true mail scale. The scale was used by the Dutch Royal Mail at their post-offices. Characteristic are the oil damper, the base with the spirit-level, the two leveling screws to level the scale. Three types of this model were made between 1950 and 1972. The range of type B, shown here, is 1000 grams. Type A weighs up to 200 grams and the type C is made for a range up to 500 grams. At the chart is written the weighing power, the name of the maker and the restriction: "uitsluitend bestemd voor weging van poststukken". This is translated: "strictly to be used for weighing postal articles". Also the year of making and an identification number are printed at the chart. An extensive article about the Velthoen scales was published in Meten & Wegen, number 115, September 2001, pp. 2740 -

rear of the scale

old PTT logo

Velthoen type B

2742 (in Dutch). These scales were calibrated officially. They had to comply with the demands of the law of weights and measures, and this was verified regularly. The gauge of this scale was sealed with a handsome little metal plate at the base. This plate has a number and year stamped in. At other scales the verification is sealed by a paper sticker. A logo of the old Dutch Royal Mail, PTT is attached at the standard. The plate is made of stainless steel. At the frame attached are rubber stops at flat springs, this to catch the long pendulum arm. Special is the oil damper. At the back, the main axis has an arm with van running in a tray filled with oil. These scales are dull grey and ugly. By the double ball bearings at the main axis and the pivot of the pan a sufficiently accurate scale was designed. The scale is stalwart and certainly was a hinder at the counters of the post-offices. Below some more pictures of this postal scale.

suspended in two ball bearings	special weighing pan	double bearings at main axis
the pendulums can be adjusted separately	the lower stop	the lower rubber stop at a flat spring
the upper stop	oil damper	sticker at damper tray
strictly to be used for weighing postal articles	weighing power 1000 g	scale number 665, year 1955
calibration plate 1962	leveling screws	the spirit-level