One of antique balance scales original purposes was the simple task of measuring weights of items like eggs, grain, jewelry (such as gold) and letters. There were two basic designs of the antique balance scales. Antique balance scales primary design for was to have a balance beam straddling a central point on the base of the scale and a pan or basket was attached to each side of the balance beam. The item needing to be measured would be placed in one of the pans of the antique balance scales and weights marked with varying measures was placed in the other pan until the two pans were balanced evenly.
The other design had an arm extended on each side of a dial and a basket or pan was attached to each of the arms with chain or some form of metal. When an item was placed in the pan on these types of antique balance scales, the dial would move and indicate a specific weight. Even though the basic designs of the antique balance scales used for weighing each item is very similar, each of the antique balance scales did have to be tweaked a little to serve its appropriate purpose.
The egg type was made by several different manufactures, but they all had the same basic design. The antique balance scales used for weighing eggs usually had a large dial labeled with the different sizes of eggs, such as medium, large and extra large. When an egg was placed on the antique balance scales, the dial would point to the appropriate size and the size of the egg could be determined. When it is working perfectly, the dial would be sitting at the beginning position.
The ones made to be used with grain has the same concept as the scales you see in a doctor’s office. One arm extends and when you place the grain on the scale, you have to move a weight across the arm to reach the appropriate mark so you can determine the correct weight. The ones used to weigh grains usually had more than one arm and each arm represented different types of weights such as pounds per bush, pounds and ounces, and percent of pounds.
Antique balance scales are also very decorative. Many people purchase them now a day; simply to place them on a bookshelf or end table instead of purchasing them to use.
