Offered for sale is a fantastic piece of American postal history: a vintage cast-iron parcel scale manufactured by the Howe Scale Company, bearing the official raised lettering "PROPERTY OF U.S.P.O. DEPT." on its heavy cast base.
This piece dates back to the era of the United States Post Office Department prior to its 1971 reorganization. Adding to its unique provenance, it still retains its original Post Office Department inspection tag dated September 2, 1965, filled out and signed by a postal inspector noting that it was taken out of service for being out of balance. The original lead calibration/inspection seal is still attached to the housing.
Markings: Stamped model number 1932 on the base, alongside the classic Howe logo badge.
Finish: Please note that the black finish is not original and has been repainted.
Completeness & Functionality: The scale is missing the small pointer tip at the end of the balance beam, which leaves it lacking a gram or two of weight near the beam end and prevents it from zeroing/balancing properly. It carries its historical 1965 "out of maintenance tolerances" inspection tag and is sold strictly as a vintage collectible/display piece.
Construction: Heavy-duty cast-iron and brass build with great industrial character.
A wonderful display piece for collectors of postal ephemera, vintage scales, or early Americana industrial design!