Antique 1873 HOWE SCALE CO Rutland VT Cast Iron Double Scale Brass Balance Scale

Description

Here is a recent barn find. This is a
Rare Antique Signed Victorian Cast Iron
Double
Scale, made by The Howe Scale Company Rutland Vermont circa 18
73
.
This is a Great Functional Cast Iron Scale with Original Red Paint and Gold Gilded Graphics and Lettering. The Cast Iron Scale is embossed "Pat'd Aug. 16 1873 Howe Scale Co. Rutland VT  5408".  The scale could possibly use another cleaning for it was covered in dirt and dust when I found it.  I had no idea what was under all the dirt and dust.  Paint is Original and it appears to be in good working condition.  It is
a Unique Scale with Two Weighing
P
ans. The first Pan measures approx. 10" x 13" and the smaller round
Pan has a
8"
Diameter
.
There are Two Brass Balance Arms with sliding weights.  There are (4) more weights used for weighing goods that come with the scale as well(Picture #5).
T
he Scale measures approx. 24" long x 11" wide
, or 21" wide if including the Brass Balance Arm in the Measurement
.  This is in Good Working and Cosmetic Condition. It is a Rare Scale by a Rare Maker and will make a Wonderful Addition to any Collection!  This is really Heavy and weighs approx. 45 pounds, Local Pick-up always an option and preferred.  This is a fresh find and will be Sold As Found! 0 or Best Offer!!!
Shipping will be .00
.  I will overpack as I normally do to protect this fine piece.
MAKE AN OFFER!!!!
Here is some History:
The history of the Howe Scale Company begins with Frank M. Strong of Vergennes and Thomas Ross designing and patenting a ball bearing scale for the Sampson Scale Company of Vergennes. Prior to this invention, the sharp pivot on which the platform of the scale rests would become worn down with repeated use, thus causing the scale to lose accuracy over time. The ball-bearing design provided a shock absorber for the pivot to reduce stress on the scale and improve its accuracy. This was the first major scale improvement in America and the first major innovation by Strong and Ross, the second being the building in 1857 of a gigantic scale for weighing canal boats, a feat that experts said was impossible.
In Spring 1857 John Howe Jr. of Brandon took over Strong and Ross's patents and began to manufacture their designs under the name Howe Scale Company. The Howe Scale Company became world-renowned, earning several awards at fairs and exhibitions, including the the gold, silver, and bronze medals at the 1867 Paris Exhibition against competitors from all over the world.
In 1873 the plant was moved to Rutland, with John A. Mead of Rutland becoming president in 1886, followed by Carl B. Hinsman and Frank G. Riehl. The Howe Scale Company went on to manufacture the weightograph, a device which produces weight readings on a ground glass screen that can be read in the dark from some distance away. It also produced the longest railroad track scale in the world, scales for weighing airplane propellors, and lightweight, aluminum scales that were easily transportable on airplanes. It also began producing trucks and tailers for cargo, and this became an important part of the company's product line. The Howe Scale Company continued to be a leader in the manufactuer of high-accuracy weighing instruments into the twentieth century.