Folding rule of boxwood with brass hinges and ends. One-foot rule has a brass hinge every three inches, resulting in a compact unit of four wood lengths. Both sides of rule are calibrated with inches; both read from right to left.
Provenance
Collected by Lillian Hollings Kiker, born to Scottish Americans who lived in New Jersey. Born (1912) and lived in New Jersey, last of Egg Harbor, she was active with quilting, sewing, knitting & crocheting. Collection inherited by donor when her mother passed away.
Balance-type scale, body of cast iron, flat pan of bronze and large scoop-shaped pan of copper. Two large weights of bronze and six smaller weights of cast iron housed in pine box.
Scale (A) has heavy cast iron base supporting a pivoting/balancing armature. One end of armature has flat, round, brass pan while opposite end has four fingers of iron supporting a detachable copper pan shaped like a large oval scoop with a rolled edge. Base has remnants of original red paint and gold striping. "Fairbanks" is embossed on top of both sides of central base section. Brass plate near center of armature reads: "Pat'd. Dec. 18, 1877."
Eight weights are as follows:
(B & C) Two circular disks marked "2" at top center, signifying 2 lbs.
(D) One cast iron weight, pie-shaped, with embossed "1" at top center, signifying 1 lb. Lead infill stamped "S" on bottom.
(E) One cast iron weight, pie-shaped, with impressed "8" at top center, signifying 8 oz. Bottom has small lead infill, unmarked.
(F) One cast iron weight, pie-shaped, with embossed "4" at top center, signifying 4 oz.
(G) One cast iron weight, pie-shped, with embossed "2" at top center, signifying 2 oz.
(H) One cast iron weight, pie-shaped, with embossed "1" at top center, signifying 1 oz.
(I) One cast iron weight, pie-shaped, with embossed "1/2" at top center, signifying a half oz.
(J) Square, finger-jointed pine box, used for housing the eight weights.
Provenance
Donor states scale was used in the candy department at Woolworth's store on North Queen Street. It was later acquired by the family. Donor recalls that her mother Florence E. Werner Cohen (1895-1994) used the scales extensively for baking in her home since she sold baked goods at her Central Market stand.
Width includes large pan length. Length is pan to pan.
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2014-12-19
Condition Notes
Considerable wear, esp. to copper pan which is tarnished and dented. Food residues in crevices. Red-painted body is worn w/ light corrosion over some parts. Weights are well worn, esp. the two 2# weights which are covered in small gashes and have dark stains. Box is strongly deteriorated and held together with nails. Heavy soil with accretions.
Object ID
G.01.19.3a-j
Notes
This scale has a removable pan for scooping merchandise such as candy. Disc weights determined the weight of goods by counterbalanceing on the opposing flat pan. This balance scale was used in the candy department of Woolworth's and then at home for measuring backing ingredients.
Place of Origin
St. Johnsbury, Caledonia County, Vermont
Credit
Gift of Rheta e. cohen Stacy in memory of Florence E. Werner Cohen
