Scale Queen letter scale

letter scale

This is a more modern version of the candlestick. It is a simple spring balance. The compression spring is adjustable at the bottom of the scale base. This letter scale was sold with the name Scale Queen. The scale parts are made of aluminum. The housing is machined from solid aluminum bar, then polished to a satin smooth finish. The plastic base often displays an advertisement at the slanting face. Specimens without any commercial imprinted texts are more rare. This letter scale was a give-away. The base was made in several colors and mixed colors. The range is 8 ounces, with a division mark at each half ounce. The name of the manufacture is embossed at the bottom of the base: THOMPSON ENG. & MFG. CHICAGO, ILL. with the addition: PAT. PEND., patent pending.

paper-weight

figures of the design patent with a different number of ribs

animation: the two positions of the cap

Design patent 175,810 from 1955

The model was protected with an American Design patent with the number D155,944. It was given to Arnold M. Thompson and Melvin D. Thompson at 8 november 1949 for a periode of seven years. An article about this little scale was published in Equilibrium 1999 no.2, pp. 2340-2343. The article presented a list with 12 companies that ordered Scale Queens with their own name on the scale, suggesting a full enumeration. However, at least 14 other companies can be added to the list. The assertion that no imitations or copies were made, seems not valid, see the photos of the diabolo shaped scales. This diabolo model was patented in 1962 with an American Design patent number D193,682. A variant with a bowling ball and 2 bowling pins was also made by Thompson Eng & Mfg. It dates from 1955. It was protected by a Design patent, number D175,810. The rates are given on a cardboard chart, this chart fits tightly at the bottom of the base. Rate charts exist with and without the name of the manufacturer, see photos. Also specimens exist with the name The Kemper-Thomas Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. This is a distributor of office accessories. Below some more photos of this letter scale.

paper-weight	position 0 oz.	letter scale
paper-weight	unscrew cap	cap removed
invert cap	cap pressed on stem	embossed name
Anchor Photo Supply	rate chart without name	disengaged rate chart

similar model	ready to weigh	similar design
rate chart with name	rate chart with different name	rate chart with different name
bowling ball paper-weight	bowling ball ready to weigh	directions for use
emitting blue	frightful green	range 8 oz.