Star letter scale, maker: Pelouze, USA
This is a typical American letter scale. It is only 8 centimeter high. The diameter of the top plate is just 5 centimeters. The weighing range is 16 ounces = 1 Lb = 453.6 grams. The postal rates are detailed on the scale. Specified in letters, merchandise, books+circulars, and newspapers. On the right is the weight scale up to 1 pound (Lbs) and also up to 16 ounces. The indicated inland letter tariff is 2c for 1oz. 4c for 2oz. 6c for 3oz. etc. This was valid from 1885 until 1917. At the bottom of the postal scale are the manufacturer's name and three dates of patents. Followed by the country names United States, Great Britain and Canada. The oldest patent dates from June 2, 1896. It is US patent 561,309 with the title: Spring-balance weighing-scale. This is the main patent of this letter scale. The patent of March 29, 1898 relates to US patent 601,273 with the de title Weighing-Scale, that deals with the adjustable tensile spring suspension. I could not trace the proper third patent of January 31, 1899.
The reading scale is ergonomically placed and so better to read by the user. The arc shape is concentric with the movement of the pointer arm of the mechanism. This letter scale is a spring balance. The mechanism with a tensile spring can be adjusted with the adjusting screw on top of the housing. The entire housing is magnetic. Only the mounting pin and the top plate are brass. The top plate has a decorative flower border. The top plate is silver colored. The scale base and the scale housing have distinctive red and gold lines. Striking are the open sides. Previously, a Star postal scale with a closed housing was shown on this website, see here.
Below are some more pictures of this open Star letter scale.
back of the scale
