letter scale with NL postal rates on the letter plate
Although the M-logo is missing, this letter scale is probably made by Philipp Jakob Maul from Hamburg in Germany. Previously, this model has already been shown on this website, see this, and also this simpler scale with only one weighing range. This scale has two weighing ranges: 150 grams and 500 grams. On the scale are two Deutsche Reich Gebrauchs Musters, namely D.R.G.M. 168741 and D.R.G.M. 179460. I have not been able to find these cheaper patents yet. The scale of 150 grams has a stripe per each gram. The scale of 500 grams has a stripe per each five grams.
In the price list of Ph.J. Maul from 1925s this scale model is number 22. The number 360 on the back of cast iron frame is the article number. The scale is brass, burnished, with black japanned stand. There are two other material versions, brass polished and nickel-plated, with black japanned stand (article number 361), and brass polished nickel-plated all over (article number 362). The scale with 1 single range was available in the versions 50g, 100g en 150g. The scale with 2 ranges was available in the versions 100g/250g, 100g/350g and 150g/500g. At the back is the abbreviated text: Ges. Geschützt, translated: legally protected. The number 50 is in the swivel foot, I do not know the meaning.
Sending a letter up to 15 grams in the Netherlands cost 5 cents, and up to 200 grams it cost 10 cents. This postal tariff was valid from 1892 to 1908. The indicated foreign tariff to Belgium is 10 cents per 15 grams and 12½ cents per 15 grams to the other countries. This applied between 1875 and October 1907. This letter scale therefore dates from the period 1892 - 1907. The circle with the postal rate information is rather small on this letter plate. Probably, only one size of the postal rates print stamp was made and had to fit on all plateau diameters, including the smallest ones.
Below some more pictures of this letter scale.
back of the letter scale
