TRINER
Model AA-1
1 Lb
letter scale

Triner letter scale up to 16 ounces (= 1 Lb)

This is a Triner letter scale that was produced for many years and in large numbers. Small variations in model emerged over the years; see, for example, this one shown earlier Triner Air Mail Accuracy. A few more variants are pictured there. This Triner model is still frequently offered second-hand on auction sites. This is because many were produced, and especially because it is an extremely solid and robust scale. They are available with a range of 8 ounces, 9 ounces, 16 ounces, and even heavier versions of 2 lbs and 4 lbs. There are also versions with separate add-on counterweights, allowing them to weigh up to 6 lbs or up to 12 lbs. For the metric world, there are models that weigh up to 250 grams, 500 grams, 1 kilo, or 2 kilos, subdivided in increments of 5 or 10 grams. In addition, there are at least thirteen models with bowls and trays specially shaped for shops, some with two weight beams, coarse and fine, and other versions with separate add-on weights.

back of the Triner scale

The special feature of the Triner shown here is that it was produced in Canada. The Canadian postal rates on this scale date from April 1, 1979. The rate card is bilingual: English and French. See the photos below for the rates for the different types of mail to various destinations. Triner is originally an American company founded in 1902 by James M. Triner of Chicago, Illinois. Prior to that, James Triner initially worked for Pelouze for a few years. This Triner weighs up to 1 lb or 16 ounces, and the scale is divided into half-ounce increments. During weighings, one compares whether it weighs more than the value set with the counterweight, until it weighs equal to or slightly less than the set value. One then reads off the postal rate corresponding to that set weight.
The scale is 25 centimeters long, 10.5 cm wide, and 12 cm high. The letter tray is 9.5 x 11 cm. The scale weight is 1549 grams.
Below are some more images of this Canadian Triner letter scale.

side view

animation: place a weight on the letter plate [move the pointer over the photo]

side view

out of balance with 15 ounces on the plate	animatie: balance the scale [move the pointer over the photo]	balance at 15 ounces on the plate
a rock-solid construction	unloaded and in balance	a rock-solid construction
the Canadian postal rates valid from April 1, 1979	the bilingual rate card	postal rates to Canada, USA, Europe, and other international destinations
name and logo of Triner Canada	To Balance Turn Screw	Not Legal For Trade
ready for use	up to 16 ounces = 1 lb, in increments of ½ ounce	balanced with 8 ounces
top view	the measurements scale is also on the back of the balance beam	the open bottom of the Triner letter scale

a slightly older 1933 version of the Triner, specially made for the USPO, the American postal service. On those scales is the text: PROPERTY OF U.S.P.O., see at the bottom of the page U.S.P.O. is now known as USPS. Image on a catalog page of Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co

Triner model AA-1 as pictured in the 1963 Triner catalog

a similar Airmail-Accuracy Triner, on a catalog page of Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett& Co also from 1933. A 2 lbs Airmail-Accuracy is on this page.