"PORTIMA" post-rate letter scale
This Post-rate letter scale "Portima" has a scale up to 250 grams with up to 150 grams a stripe per each gram and from 150 to 250 grams there is a stripe per 5 grams. Below the gram scale there is a frame in which a card can be mounted with the postal rates. The Dutch postal rates are shown on this card made of cardboard with a protective layer, and the name: Post-tarief Briefweger "Portima". On the left of the card are the postal types: letters, local traffic, printed matter and samples. In addition, there is all kinds of information for shipments abroad. The letter rate of 6 cents to 20 grams, 12 cents to 40 grams and 15 cents to 250 grams was valid from November 1, 1919 to September 1, 1937. The rate on the German version of the Portima starts on December 1, 1933, the Dutch version is therefore probably from the period January 1934 - September 1, 1937. To replace the card, the three screws and the measuring scale must be loosened. An adjusting screw is fitted in the non-rotatable third foot for zero adjustment of the scale. The abbreviation D.R.G.M is engraved on the back of the mechanism. that's fullDeutsches Reich Gebrauchs Muster, a design protection, faster and cheaper than a patent. I have the D.R.G.M. not found. In addition to this version up to 250 grams, there is also a version up to 500 grams, which is previously shown on this website, unfortunately still without the corresponding rate card, see here. I have seen versions for use in Germany and also a version for use in Switzerland. The German rate card states that there is a D.R.G.M. protection is on the design. Also this D.R.G.M. I haven't found it yet.
back of the letter scale
