equal-arm letter balance

unknown maker, England bruine lijn

equal-arm balance for weighing letters

The maker of this equal-arm balance from England is unknown to me. The bottom of the central connecting strip shows the Avery scale brand, but it does not seem to me to be an Avery balance. The frame of the balance with the large circle and two small ones can be seen at several manufacturers. On the front right of the balance arm it says WARRANTED ACCURATE. There are four weights with letter mail rates: 8oz 3D, 4oz 2D, 2oz 1½D and 1oz 1D. This English letter rate was valid between October 5, 1871 and June 22, 1897. The rate for 6oz was 2½D.
The letter scale seems to be a hodgepodge of parts from different manufacturers.
Below some more pictures of this equal-arm letter balance.

back of the letter scale

on the bottom of the central connecting strip
is the scale brand AVERY

on the front of the balance beam is the text
WARRANTED ACCURATE

The stepped platform for the weights

the solid central knife edge bearing
steel on steel

the flat and round letter tray

here too a solid steel on steel knife edge bearing	at balance, the arrow pointer is vertical	here too a solid steel on steel knife edge bearing
the weights removed from the recesses	8oz 3D, 4oz 2D, 2oz 1½D and 1oz 1D	the balance with the four weights
upside down	seen from above	the flat bottom without extra feet

« collection part 22 «

version: February 28, 2021