Sampson Mordan & Co.
postal balance

This post balance comes from England and was made by Sampson Mordan & Co. from London. The postal letter rates are engraved on the letter platform. Moreover, the wooden base has an additional plate with remarks and comments on the rates. The rates can be dated to the period from October 5, 1871 to July 1, 1885. The brass scale components are all marked with a capital H on the bottom or inside out of sight. One frame stand is additionally stamped with a leaf shape. The meaning of this is unknown to me. The scale has 4 weights, 4 oz, 2 oz. 1oz. and 8 Dram. They are not the original ones. They are of different manufacturers but still usefull with this letter balance. The two small weights are marked CRANE, they date from the period 1890-1928. Added its 7½ oz, the text on the scale mentions 12 oz, therefore probably some weights are missing. The sizes of the wooden base are 21 x 11,5 centimeters. The height of the balance is 10 centimeters.
In Equilibrium 1986, pages 935-950, Michael Crawforth wrote a comprehensive article on the scales of Sampson Mordan & Co. Below some more pictures of this letter scale.