letter scale New Year's gift of Jacob Stauder
This letter scale was released in December 1989 together with a New Year's wish by private brewery Jacob Stauder from Essen in Germany. It is a replica of a gooseneck letter scale made by Parnell in London. The scale goes up to 4 ounces and also shows the associated letter post rate. This rate of ½oz 1D, 1oz 2D, 2oz 4D, 3oz, 6D and 4oz 8D, was valid from January 10, 1840 to April 1, 1865. Hall's patent is on the scale.
Nathaniel Richard Hall from Rosherville, Northfleet, Kent, England obtained a patent on March 26, 1863 on "improvement in construction of weighing apparatus". It is patent number 791. In The London Gazette of April 6, 1866 it is stated on page 2264 that patent number 791 of Hall has become void by reason of the non-payment of the additional Stamp Duty of £50, before the expiration of the third year from the date of the patent.
The brewery has had the letter scale produced in a limited edition. How much exactly does one no longer know in 2018, it is estimated 500 - 1000 copies. The letter scale was delivered with a numbered certificate. According to the description, the scale is heavily silver-plated. The letter clip and the pendulum indicator are gilded. The enclosed New Year's wish has a few phrases with balancing scale, weighing and weigh in it. Followed by the wishes: a contemplative advent, a nice Christmas, and all the good for the new year.
Previously, a simpler gooseneck by Parnell has been shown, with the rare measuring unit Loth.
Below some more pictures of the silver-plated letter scale.
back of the letter scale
