Caryatid letter scale
This letter scale is shown in several catalogs from about 1908. According to these catalogs the letter scale was available in four versions:
1. with a fixed single range of 50 grams (2 oz. or 4/12 Russ. Loth);
2. with a dual range of 50 and 250 grams (2oz./9oz. or 4/20 Russ. Loth);
3. with a dual range of 60 and 350 grams (5/28 Russ. Loth);
4. with a dual range of 100 and 500 grams (4 oz./18oz. or 8/40 Russ. Loth).
A caryatid is a sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support taking the place of a column or a pillar supporting an entablature on her head. The Greek term karyatides literally means "maidens of Karyai".
In the catalogs of Kistler and of Ph.J. Maul this letter scale does not have the name Caryatid. Later in publications the winged female in this letter scale was described as being a kind of caryatid. Here a winged caryatid is supporting the main axis of the postal balance. This beautiful, majestic letter scale is presented here in a series of detailed pictures.
rear view of the letter scale
