Air Mail postal scale, Hanson Bros. Scale Co., U.S.A.
This postal scale was made by Hanson Brothers Scale Company, from Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., it is model 1509 and is named Air Mail. This model number has been around for decades. The name Air Mail was used for a limited number of years. Over the years the pointer got simpler. The weighing platforms also differed over the years. The location of the Air Mail rate on the dial as well. Previously, another 5 pounds postal scale from Hanson has been shown, see here. The scale itself weighs no less than 1838 grams, it is a heavy bloke. The weighing platform measures 14 x 14 centimeters. The base is 14 cm wide and 14.5 cm deep. The diameter of the dial including the bezel is 16.8 cm. The scale is 22.8 centimeters high.
The airmail rate of 8 cents per ounce up to 4 pounds [= 64 ounces] dates from March 26, 1944. In 1946 it was reduced to 5 cents per ounce. The first class letter rate of 3 cents an ounce was introduced in 1932 already and was not changed until 1958.
Below some more images of the Hanson Air Mail postal scale.
back of the Air Mail postal scale
