letter scale
maker Gottlieb Kern & Sohn
scale
| This replica was made since 1985. This replica is presented as identical to an original from 1851. This would be the oldest letter scale with a top-pan produced in Germany. In the kingdom Württemberg of that time the state took over the postal service from the firm Thurn & Taxis. The postal stamp was introduced. The letter scale came on the market to establish the proper weight and determine the correct postage. The replica differs from the accompanying figure presented by Kern. The lower short lever of the replica is attached much higher in the frame. Namely above the chart in stead of below the chart. The really original, old models have a straight-on indicator arm, see this letter scale. By this, they differ also from the
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rear of the scale
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figure from the
price list of 1874
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front of the
numbered certificate
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figure from the
price list of 1874
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graceful indicator arm on the drawing, and from the indicator arms on the replicas. The replica has an enamelled chart, the old originals have a brass chart. In Mass und Gewicht, Heft 56, December 2000, pp. 1343-1349, Dirk Schmitz presents a survey of really old original specimens. The replica is delivered with a numbered certificate. This suggests a special production with a limited batch size. From 1985 to 2005 this replica could be ordered at Kern & Sohn GmbH as model Kern 051 under the special products. In an article in Meten & Wegen, pp. 2596-2597, R.J. Kok writes this model of letter scale has been presented in catalogs of Kern from 1874 til 1933. In a leaflet Kern presents a delivery date in 1851 for this letter scale. Probably the model was produced until 1940, so a period of almost ninety years. The early specimens had a chart divided in Loths. The loth is an old Middle- and North-European unit and ranges from 15.6 til 17.5 grams. In following years the scale was produced with ranges of 100, 250 en 500 grams. Below some more pictures of this letter scale.
range 100 grams
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fancy indicator arm
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stripe per 5 grams
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graceful |
slender design
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ornamental foot |
zero leveling |
Kern logo at back of scale
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pendulum |
the packing |
weighing 100 grams
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text at the side of the packing |