Ideal letter scale by Triner
This letter scale was made by James M. Triner & Company, of Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.. The model name IDEAL is on the size scale. This letter scale goes up to 2 Lbs and is subdivided per half ounce. The Ideal Postal Scale has been in advertisements as early as 1901. These copies are decorated with flowers. This scale was still advertised in 1912. The scale shows U.S. postal rates for domestic letters, merchandise, books and brochures, and newspapers. Also the rate for letters to foreign countries of 5 cents per ½ ounces is listed. And just barely visible, the rate for books abroad of 1 cent per 2 oz. The 2 cents per ounce letter rate was valid from 1883 to 1917. The size scale reads PAT. PEND. a patent is said to have been applied for, for what is unclear. The company name is almost illegible in the top surface of the spring housing TRINER SCALE & MFG. CO. CHICAGO, U.S.A. and PAT. FEB. 23, 1904 AND ABROAD.On these pages there is a good detail photo of the top surface of the spring housing, see the GEM POST WAGE, and also at the page bottom of the FAST-MAIL. The Ideal is 17 cm high. The base is 17.3 x 10.3 cm.
Below are some more images of the Ideal Postal Scale from the period 1904-1917.
back of the letter scale
