Antique Victorian
Brass PostAL SCALES POSTOffice Letter Weighing Scales & Weights
Description:
Victorian brass post office
postal letter weighing scales complete with a full set of weights, including the bell-shaped topper. The wooden walnut plinth has serpentine shaped edges, 4
small feet, and three recesses which contain seven brass weights, a pair of
brass pans, and a centrally placed swinging indicator, all in good working order. There is a weight holder and
platform for the letters. The letter platform is stamped
with the rates of the period, circa 1890. The brass balance is stamped
”
Warranted Accurate” and is made in England.
Probable origin:
John
Bartlett
was an apprentice of the London
scale maker Robert Wood. J. Bartlett was listed at 3 Welsh Back, Bristol
in 1831 (main
office at 3 Welsh Back (1835-1910), and by 1881 the firm was employing
70 men
and 4 boys. Charles H. Bartlett (probably son of John) spent some time
in Newcastle (the firm is recorded as Bartlett & Sons, 49 Pilgrim
St. in
1871, and as C.H.Bartlett & Co., 6
Lisle St in 1875) but in 1881 he was managing the
weighbridge works in Bristol.
In 1890 the address was still listed as J. Bartlett and Sons, Welsh
Back, Bristol. The firm was taken
over as a going concern by Pooleys in 1910, which were in turn taken
over by
Avery in 1914.
The letter platform is stamped with the rates of postage, as follows:
Not Exceeding 4 oz 1D
” ” 6 ” 1 1/2
” ” 8 ” 2
” ” 10 ” 2 1/2
” ” 12 ” 3
” ” 14 ” 3 1/2
” ” 16 ” 4
Books Not Exceeding 2oz ” 1/2 D
Weights:
1 x Set of
original brass weights – 1 lb, 8 oz, 4 oz, 2 oz, 1 oz, 1/2 oz and the 1/2 oz finial topper, dating to the Victorian period.
Dimensions:
Width of
base: 31cm / 12 inches
Depth of
base: 18cm / 7 inches
Height: 14.5
cm / 5 ¾ inches
Condition:
The scales
are in good original antique condition, with a clearly stamped letter platform
plaque. The walnut wooden plinth has some wear in keeping with its age and
intended purpose. The brass fitments
having patina only achieved with age. The scales are in full working
order, an interesting and collectable set of scales with a full set of accompanying bass weights.
Please see the images provided which
complement this description.
For economy, due to the items postage weight (packaged approx.
2kg), overseas buyers should expect two packages at delivery. As
normal, should there be any overpayment on postage, buyers will be refunded quickly.
Postage is calculated by postal rate, plus the cost of packaging material
– no other additional charges are made.
I have many other interesting and unusual items for sale, so
please take a look.
Thanks for looking and Good luck
bidding!!!
I will always combine postage on
items to give you the best deal I can.
I will offer a refund if you are not 100% satisfied with the item, but
the buyer assumes all costs for sending the item back. A refund will be paid
when the item has been received and is in the same condition as when it was
sent. The item must be returned to us,
within 7 days of you receiving it.
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