This item was purchased from the auction house Leski's. It was to be included in a Medical collection auction on 8 May 2013 but was left off the listing. Museum Curator made a private offer of $160 prior to the auction which the owner accepted. The weighing scales was part of a rare collection of medical, dental and pharmaceutical objects belonging to a tourism business, Kryal Castle, near Ballarat, Victoria from 1974. At some point,apparently, an officer manager discarded the museum records, so the provenance of the weighing scales, and many other items in the Leski auction, has been lost.This weighing scales is made of yellow painted metal, with a slide gauge in imperial measure. Manufacturer: Secal.Vogel & Haike, Hamburg [nameplate at front].Manufactured in the the , and such scales were widely used in Infant Welfare Centres across Victoria and possibly other states in the 1970s. A midwife/ infant welfare nurse Martine Jackson recalls seeing a weighing scales like this as a student in the 1970s in Melbourne.infant care

Although these scales cannot be identified against a historical period of Australian development they are therefore placed in a time frame when commercial markings from manufacurers were not important enough to have domestic kitchen items labeled. These cast iron scales were made for domestic and possibly rural areas and not for cities where demand for known branded utensils was more an issue. These scales are very "basic" and not to the level of weighing detail that commercial scales had to be at. These scales do not show any visible markers for accurate measurement. The "near enough is good enough" principle can be related to these scales.These scales are significant as they identify one of the basic preparation items for the weighing of foodstuff before the televising of "cooking" shows (1960s onward). The meals for which quantity measurements are required for domestic cooking is not exact however the use of cup measurements for large dishes is tedious and these scales offer the capacity for a larger mixture and an easier method for the "cook". As the need for accurate measurements of ingrediants for rural domestic meals has in the past been not been critical the requirement of accuracy that these scales do not provide is of no consequence. Domestic kitchens in the Kiewa Valley and the type of meals produced would not have required the accuracy of ingrediants that "modern " international cuisines of the later 1900's require. These kitchen scale were used whenrecipes had the terms "pinch, dollop, squidge and smidgen" were about as accurate as most recipes needed to be.Black cast iron, medium weighing scales, with a two arm cradle. On one side of the cradle is a two half circle holding frame for the retention of the metal container scoop. This light weight steel scoop/dish allows for the weighing of loose grain or similar type material to be contained and held in place for establish its saleable contents. On the other side of the weighing cradle is a flat circular platform to hold various metal disc. All the disks used on this platform have their weight stamped on them. When the produced filled in the scoop balances with the metal weight on the opposite end of the balance match (visual horizontal appraisal) the appropriate quantity required is obtained. This scale does not have any visual markings on the arms to identify a true balance. It is therefore reasonable to assume that these scales were for domestic use only and not for commercial transactions. There are two weights that are useable with these scales, one is stamped "1 lB"(pound) and one stamped "1" and both are made as a solid round piece of cast metal.The smaller disc has a "1 lb" moulded and pressed form within a marked inner circle and a mouled ridge outer circle enclosure. The other weight is slightly larger and has a moulded "1" located on the top within a raised circular edge.domestic kitchen scales, weighing scales, metal scales

The Victorian Railways scales were donated by a resident of Wodonga, Victoria, and may have been used in the Wodonga train station. The Wodonga train line and train station opened in November 1873 when the section of the line from Wangaratta to Wodonga was completed. The expansion of Victorian Railways to the northeast of Victoria occurred after the Victorian Government took over the railways in 1867 and the trains serviced large towns such as Seymour, Wangaratta and Wodonga, as well as smaller towns along the way.The Victorian Railways weighing scales has local significance as it was donated by a resident of Wodonga, as well as state significance as an example of the equipment used by the Victorian Railways. Green painted cast iron Victorian Railways scales for weighing up to 25 kg. Rectangular weighing plate above a circular aluminium dial with the weights and 'V.R.' is engraved in black on the front of the scales."V.R." in black on the front of the scales "TO WEIGH / 25 kg. X 250 g." in black on the front of the scales "1714" engraved on a small iron plate screwed onto the front of the base of the scales.victorian railways weighing scales, v.r. weighing scales, railways scales, weighing scales, victorian railways, v.r., vr

Metal suspension scales. Very rusted. 00222.1 : Metal arm - brass 00222.2 : Forked handle - brass. 00222.3 : Larger dish - of unknown material, has a broken piece 00222.4 : Smaller dish - 0f unknown material 00222.5 : Steel fulcrum rod - Possibly manufactured by Aldo Gios.weighing scales, goldfields, chinese, buckland valley

Metal, suspension gold scales, very rusted, gold pans broken. 00223.1 : Arm and handle 00223.2 : Intact dish - brass with four suspension holes. Slight damage on side. 00223.3 : Two parts to the dish - badly damaged.weighing scales, goldfields, chinese, gold, buckland valley

Scales like these were used to weigh babies.Dr Mitchell Henry O'Sullivan worked in the Victorian country town of Casterton as a general practitioner from 1919 until his death in 1977. He also practiced obstetrics. His son, Dr David More O'Sullivan donated the obstetric bag and its contents to the College in 1999. The gladstone bag and contents are a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals used in the inter-war period. Set of small, portable spring balance scales. With case/enclosure.infant care

Cream painted stand with a moving sprung table top attached. On top of the table sits a woven cane basket with a wooden base. The top edge of the basket is is plaited cane and painted gold. The other cane is painted white. It is lined with a piece of white towelling on which the baby would lie. Attached on the side of the base is a notched metal bar which has a sliding metal weight so the bar will balance. It is marked with 2, 4, 6, 8 etc up to 30 lb and a smaller upper bar measures ounces. There is a framed pamphlet hanging above the scales with instructions for using the scales.Ounce measures 0, 4, 8, 12, 1 (pound) Made in Germany 24767. Triangle shape with the word Seca inside

It is possible that these scales were used in a Post Office.Scales made with an oval wooden base and brass framework. There are 3 weights - 8 oz. (4.4), 4 oz. (4.3), and 2 oz. (4.2).On centre cross brace there is an inscription - 'SANDS & KENNEY' MELBOURNEbrass scales

Small gold balance scales in wooden case. The case is inlaid with black velvet cloth with spaces for the balance and weights. There are 2 gm weights, one 5 one 10 gm and a 2 oz in their spaces in the case. There is also one penny weight, a two penny and a 200mg. Completing the set seven differently shaped weights that are too worn out to be identified. Aileen and John Ellison Collection.gold balance, goldfields

Peck, Stow & Wilcox was founded in 1870 by the merger of three different industrial tool manufacturers specializing in tin-processing equipment. Their factory complex was at 217 Centre Street in Southington, Connecticut. The company grew rapidly, and was by 1890 producing a diversified array of tools. It was also the town's largest employer. The plant was substantially enlarged in 1912, which is the period when most of the buildings surviving in 1989 were built. By that time, the complex was operated by Ideal Forging. That company went bankrupt in 2003, and the plant was acquired by real estate developers not long afterwards. Demolition of the premises took place in 2015, after hazardous materials were removed from the site.A large American company that exported it’s goods all over the world and was a major producer of balance scales. The company no longer in existence and its products are now regarded as collectors items. The subject item in the Flagstaff Hill collection is significant as the pocket spring balance scale is one of the earliest produced.Spring Balance Scale Weighs 0 to 25LBS.Stamped PS&W. Has a five pointed star stamped on front.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, spring balance scales, peck stow & wilcox, pocket balance scale, weighing scales

This type of mobile spring weighing scales were in high use before legislative Weights and Measure standards where in force throughout Australia. This was in a time when a "mans word and handshake" was his legal document. It was a time, especially in rural areas that the term "she'll be right" was extensively used and these types of scales (the accuracy over time) would produce a near "enough is good enough" measure. These scales are very significant for the rural produce within the Kiewa Valley. Rural produce such as hay milk and butter tubs,tobacco bundles could be easily weighed (in relatively smaller packages) for both markets and for use within the valley.This spring scale (!/2 Once to 4lb) was used as general weight scale. Because it is spring loaded the accuracy would fade over time and by over weighted loads. The spring enclosure is made from cast iron painter black. There is an iron ring at the top (attaching/holding) and an iron hook at the bottom (holding). There is a brass front plate with engraved markings(on the left side) running from top to bottom and a movable pin weight indicator running in the middle indicating the weight of the item being weighed.At the front top"SALTER'S SPRING BALANCE 4LB BY 21/2 OZ" underneath "No 1A" At the bottom in smaller print "MADE IN ENGLAND PATENT"weighing instruments, spring balances

Beam scales for weighing gold, copper dishes.weighing, weights & measures, scales

Historically this item would have been used by gold miners, rabbit shooters, mobile "Rag and Bone" traders and other mobile(in caravans and/or horse drawn cart) traders of various small goods and haberdashery. Although marked as not to be used as trade, the isolation and sometimes difficult terrain rules out using larger and more delicate scales. In the early 1900s rough roads and severe weather conditions forced traders to be more flexible in trading with weights and measures. The "close enough is good enough" doctrine was the Australian outback rule of thumb.The significance of this item in the Kiewa Valley during this period demonstrates the slower acceptance of accurate trading measure using the country side principle "my hand shake is my bond". In the Kiewa Valley small quantity commercial undertakings e.g. gold mining, fur pelts and rabbit meat trade did not require bulk weight type scales. Commerce in rural production e.g. fruit and vegetables involved more farmers and their staff in a barter and/or "in kind" payments. This was more so in the depression years 1929 to late 1930s. Self sufficiency was to a large extent more attainable in this region than in the city/ large country town environment. The Australian "fair go" ethical approach to life and commerce was very much ingrained in those living in country regions, like Kiewa Valley as is demonstrated by the not so accurate hand balance, spring loaded scales.This brass "faced" portable Pocket Balance ( Fish Scales) has front plate made from thin pressed brass. The mild steel spring mechanism enclosed by black painted medium gauge steel cover( three quarters cylindrical). Front scale face and rear spring casing fastened by three rivets. Spring loaded marker blade is located in the centre of the front plate. A steel " finger holder" ring is attached at the top of the scale unit from one of two pre drilled holes. The top is for holding the scale upright and the bottom for a hook to dangle the item to be weighed from the bottom. See item KVHS 0223 for similar scales"THE BILLY BALANCE" and at the bottom "MADE IN GERMANY"antique pocket balance, scales, mobile weights, vintage appliances

Large platform scales such as these ones made by W. & T. Avery were used for weighing goods for trading and passengers' luggage. They would be used in places such as railway stations, shipping ports, customs offices and ticketing offices. Often fees would be charged to customers according to the weight of their goods and luggage. Items would be placed onto the large horizontal platform then weights would be added to the weighing bar until the bar leveled to being horizontal. The weights would be added together and the total of the weights would be used for the final figure. These scales were made in Birmingham, England, by the British company, W and T Avery. The company had its origins in the early 1700s but only became known as W and T Avery when the brothers William and Thomas Avery inherited the scale-making business from a relative, Joseph Balden, on his death in 1813. By 1885 they had three factories and In 1895, the company acquired James Watt & Co and two years later had moved to the 25-acre Soho Foundry site in Smethwick, Birmingham where James Watt had manufactured steam engines. When the last Avery family member died in 1918, the company employed over 3,000 people and had businesses all over the world. Following the highly successful introduction of the first digital retail scale in 1971, the company was taken over by the GEC Group in 1979. The business was subsequently acquired by the American company, Weigh-Tronix, in 2000 which had already acquired a competitor, Salter. The Avery name continues today in the company known as Avery Weigh-Tronix.An item that was used at the turn of the century as train platform scales or for weighing agricultural products. Made by a company that pioneered weighing equipment with offices all over the world. With many examples of this scale in museums throughout the world. Platform scales with wheels. Large cast iron, scales painted black, weight capacity to 7 CWT (hundred weight). Weight beam has markers "0. 5. 10. 15. 20. 25". Platform scale loose weight type with relieving handle; cast iron construction, fluted columns with integral weight stand, the two wheels are fitted to base at front of platform; there is a graduated steelyard 0-14bs with pear-shaped poise. Weight carrier is missing.Pressed into cast iron arm on scale, one side "W. & T. AVERY", opposite side "BIRMINGHAM", and into the platform "TO WEIGH 7 CWT, W. & T. AVERY, MAKERS, LONDON & BIRMINGHAM" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, measuring scales, weighing scales, weighing instrument, fees for goods, fees for luggage, ticket office

Gold scales, wooden box with white marble top and hinged brass and glass top, 2 small dishes with arrows for weighing, mechanism for scales inside box, knob on front. Partial paper label inside reads S. R. Bark Resident Phone 34weighing, weights & measures, scales

Inventor Biography: Percival Everitt was a Norfolk-born engineer and regarded as the father of the coin-op industry. in 1884 he patented one of his many inventions the coin-operated scales. For many people, it was their first exposure to coin-operated machines. As a young man in 1877, Everitt invented a hay and corn pitcher, a turnip thinner in 1878 and an “Automatic Travelling Anchor” in 1880. But he hit his stride in 1883 with the first postcard-vending machine over a hundred of which he distributed around London. Everitt went on to invent the one penny scale which prompted the formation of the Weighing Machine Company in 1885. Further inventions followed a blow tester in 1887 also the machine for testing a person grip in 1888 and the dispensing machine that opera glasses could be hired from in 1889 also the fortune-telling machine in 1890. He also invented a mechanism to shut coin slots when vending machines were empty, but then as now vandals posed a problem by jamming paper into the slot. Everitt sadly did not make his fortune he died suddenly in February 1893, in his late forties with £71 to his name. Penny Slot Weighing Machine: When the Australian colonies federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901 their post and telegraph departments were merged to form the national Postmaster General's (PMG) Department. The subject scale is an automatic public weighing machine, No.387, made in England by George Salter and Co. of West Bromwich. The Australasian Automatic Weighing Machine Co. Ltd in 1923 tendered for the right to place Automatic Weighing Machines on railway and tram premises throughout New South Wales subsequently for five-year terms in return for a fixed payment per machine and a portion of the revenue to the NSW Government. The company also made arrangements with the Postmaster General's Department to place machines outside post offices across the country. Weights were measured in stones and pound's up to 20 stone (127 kg) and average weights were shown separately for men, women, boys and girls by various heights in feet and inches. The subject item has had its scale change by the Eastern Scale Company to metric and it is believed to have occurred shortly after April 2000 as the company was first registered and began trading on this date. This weighing machine was originally installed by the Australasian Automatic Weighing Machine Co. Ltd at Warrnambool Post Office and was made by the firm, George Salter and Company, in West Bromwich, England to the Percival Everitt patent. Salter advertised that these machines were suitable for hotels, pleasure gardens, theaters, exhibition halls, clubs, baths and places of public resort. The company had been established in 1760 by the brothers, Richard and William Salter, manufacturing springs and pocket steelyards (spring balances). After several generations, the company was taken over by a nephew, George, and in 1884 the Salter trademark was registered to show a Staffordshire knot pierced by an arrow. The company's expanded range of products included the first coin-operated public weighing machines in the 1880s and in 1895 the first English made typewriter. When the last George Salter died in 1917, the company passed into the hands of other relatives but continued to grow before being bought out by Staveley Industries in 1973. Despite several subsequent mergers, the Salter name continues today on home ware products such as digital scales.A very rare example of a penny in the slot weighing machine imported into Australia and used in public places the item is significant as it gives a snapshot into community life at the time where the public could go and get weighed given there were no personal weighing machines or equipment that people could use at home. So if they needed to post a letter or go on a train journey they could use a machine to check their weight. Whats interesting is that this patent by Percival Everitt was the worlds first slot machine and the start of casino, arcade and other types of slot machines. Personal weighing scale metal large silver painted penny coin operated. Weight measurements are in stones and pounds. Australian Automatic Weighing Machine 60 lb Everitt Patent. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Used at Ballarat School of Mines / University of Ballarat2 pound weigh scale; yellow gold gunmetal base, brass pans. Black pointer indicates balance."AVERY" and "TO WEIGH 2LB MADE IN ENGLAND".scales, brass, avery, england, weight, weigh, ballarat school of mines, university of ballarat, school of business, office equipment

The basic balance scale has been around for thousands of years and its accuracy has improved dramatically over the last several centuries, the principle behind this tool remains unchanged. Its parts include a fulcrum, a beam that balances on it, a pan at the end of the beam to hold the materials to be weighed, and a flat platform at the other for the counter-balancing weights. Balance scales that require equal weights on each side of the fulcrum have been used by everyone from apothecaries and assayers to jewellers and postal workers. Known as an unequal arm balance scale, this variety builds the counterweight into the device. Counter scales used in dry-goods stores and domestic kitchens often featured Japanned or (blackened) cast iron with bronze trims. Made by companies such as Howe and Fairbanks, the footed tin pans of these scales were often oblong, some encircled at one end so bulk items could be easily poured into a bag. Seamless pans were typically stamped from brass and given style names like Snuff (the smallest) and Birmingham (the largest). Some counter scales were designed for measuring spices, others for weighing slices of cake. In the 18th century, spring scales began to appear and would use the resistance of spring to calculate weights, which are read automatically on the scale’s face. The ease of use of spring scales over balance scales. These scales are significant as they identify one of the basic preparation items for the weighing of foodstuff in the family kitchen to prepare everyday meals. This item is significant as it gives a snapshot into domestic life within the average home in Australia around the turn of the twentieth century and is, therefore, an item with social relevance. Black cast iron, medium weighing scales, with a fulcrum which the beam that balances on, there is a scoop or large bowl at one end for the material to be weighted and a flat platform at the other end that holds the weights. Around the cast iron base is an embossed strip weight and bowl missing.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

The home of Ester Phillips in 23 Heather Grove, Nunawading was the original Post Office and General Store. Heather lived in the house after Charles Edward Hodges an early Postmaster.Miniature Salter Scales No 18D Small weighing scales - dish for items to be weighed on a triangular support and on a pedestal and base. Calibrated in 1/3rd oz on left hand side and 1/4 oz on the right hand side.Salter No 18D Made in Englandinstruments, weighing, communication, postal

Perfect Cheese Company was founded in 1930 by newly-arrived Italian migrant Natale Paquale Italiano. The company specialised in traditional Italian-style cheese but also produced Greek, Cypriot and Maltese origin cheeses. The cheeses were sold in Australia and Italy with all products being matured and non-processed. The company remained in operation until the early 2000s.This weighing machine is significant as it represents the machinery used by an early cheese production company.Large metal machine with cast iron with a cast iron frame and a stainless steel rectangular bowl in a cradle. The round weighing scale at the top shows a weight scale up to 1100 pounds. A mesh stainless steel baffle strains the milk.Made in England Birmingham - AVERY SOLE AGENTSallansford, perfect cheese company, avery, cheese manufacturing, dairy industry

These scales were used in the post office which was located at Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory.Red Post Office wedge-shaped scales with rectangular base and spring-loaded top plate; white dial face marked to 16oz by 1/8 oz increments. Marked Domestic Use Only. Manufacturer's details marked in gold on the front of the scales.No.63 (on base) POST OFFICE/Persinware/Made in Australiaallansford, warrnambool cheese & butter factory, wcb, post offices, scales, weighing instruments

Cast iron scales with porcelain plate and set of weights. Black enamel with red and gold banding, white porcelain plate with W & T Avery Ltd insignia underneath. Six weights, 2lb, 1lb, 8oz, 4oz, 2oz, 1oz.W & T Avery Birmingham to weigh 7lbsweighing, weights & measures, scales, k33.1.2.3.4.5.6.8