Sets of scales similar to these were very common in households throughout Australia. Between 1960 and 1988 Australia gradually adopted the SI units (Standard International) or metric units. In 1970 the Australian parliament passed the metric conversion act, and the Australian building trades made it the standard in 1974. This information helps to date the set of weights to before the1970s.Domestic scales such as these were common throughout Australian homes. They are now primarily superceded by plastic items, often electronic. Metal table scales with imperial weights weights and measures australia, table scales, domestic appliances