Types of Antique Scales

Money Scales

• It's unclear when exactly the weighing of money began, but the Bible tells us of money scales, and we know that money scales existed in Roman times. There are two distinguishing qualities of antique money scales: accuracy and size. Because they were being used to weigh money, they had to be extremely accurate to ensure people were compensated correctly. The scales were also often quite small, because they were used by people at a number of different locations and therefore had to be easy to carry. You'll often see antique scales with their own metal or wood container, which allowed them to be easily transported.

Postal Scales

• In 1840, the United States Postal Service implemented the procedure of customers adding postage stamps to each letter they were mailing. The amount of money paid for the stamps depended upon the weight of the letter or package. Thus, the postal scale in the United States was born. A number of different scales were used by the postal service, including those that had pans hanging below the central rod, those that had pans above the central rod, spring scales and pendulum scales. Because these scales were being used in other industries, the postal service didn't need to create its own unique scale.

Apothecary and Analytical Scales

• Although apothecary and analytic scales have been around since the beginning of the medical and chemistry professions, the most sensitive and precise of these scales appeared in the 18th century to help doctors and chemists properly measure their materials. This precision was achieved by decreasing the friction of the scale's hinges. Apothecary and analytic scales usually have small pans made of glass or brass, and they have a delicate central rod. You'll often find these scales within a glass case to keep dust and moisture away. They also come in a box with a level and screws for adjusting the scale.