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Sold for: £8
A Victorian postal scale constructed with a brass mechanism mounted upon a shaped mahogany base. This lot comprises the scale and a set of five circular brass weights. The unequal-arm beam mechanism features ornamental pierced brass supports and a rectangular brass letter plate. This plate is engraved with a table titled POSTAL RATES FOR LETTERS, providing a list of weights and their corresponding pence costs, starting with Not Exceeding 1/2 oz 1d and continuing up to 16 oz. One brass balance arm is impressed with the horizontal text WARRANTED ACCURATE; while there are characters visible below this mark, they are not legible as a name. The mahogany base is designed with a tiered, beveled edge and contains three recessed circular wells for weight storage. The accompanying brass weights are marked 8 OZ, 2 OZ, and 1/2 OZ, with two additional smaller weights stored within the recessed wells.
Condition report:
The brass mechanism and weights exhibit a natural aged patina with surface oxidation and tarnishing consistent with age (photo 1). The engraved table on the letter plate remains clearly legible. The mahogany base shows minor surface scuffs and light wear to the finish, including a small dark circular mark or stain near the right-hand edge (photo 1). The mechanical movement appears intact, though calibration and accuracy have not been tested. All five weights are present and fit their designated wells.
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