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GENERAL SCALES
Kodack Eastman Scale
General Scales Pages

In this section we focus on international scales and
unusual scales that do not fit into the other main
categories. Many of the scales featured here were
used in various occupations and industries and, being
in excellent condition, are of an historic importance.

Eastman Studio Scale made by Eastman Kodak Co.
This scale was made in Rochester N.Y. USA in the early 1900's by the Eastman Kodak Company. These scales were normally used for measuring out chemicals used in photography. The image above shows a set in very good condition (after many years use the harsh chemicals weighed make these scales prone to heavy rust). It is complete with label and weights (the smallest weight is missing). Made from stainless steel on mahogany base it has a set of Avoirdupois weights. It was built on the Roberval principle employing upper and lower crossbeams and edge-knife steel hinges. The old Kodak EKG logo is in the center support and a conversion table plaque (Grain, Drum, Ounces, Pound) is attached to the base. The 6 weights are from 50 grain to 2 oz. The base is 9 inches (23cm) by 4 inches (10cm) and 1.5 inches (3cm) deep - the scales have a total height of 6 inches (15cm).
steelyard
 Plaque 1 Plaque 2
A British Steelyard Scale
These type of scales (with hooks) are often used for weighing meat or sacks of grain. A steelyard balance is a straight-beam balance with arms of unequal length. It incorporates a counterweight which slides along the calibrated longer arm to counterbalance the hanging load on the other end (hanging by the hooks) and thereby indicate its weight. It has been suggested that the steelyard was invented independently by the Greeks, Romans and Chinese as early as 400 B.C.E. (British steelyards have been discovered from 400 A.D.). Steelyards of different sizes can way loads of ounces to many tonnes. This is a classic
British type steelyard 47 inches (120cm) long.
1800's Thread Tension Scale
 Coffee Scale
A Mid 1800s Textile Quadrant 'Yarn Scale'
Used To Gauge Thread Tension In The Textile Industry
A strand of thread or yarn is fed into the machine and held between two points. The handle on the side is then cranked to apply pressure and the thread is streched between the two holding ends, when enough pressure is applied the thread breaks, and the tension required is read off the quderant scale (the pointer holds its last position after the thread breaks) and the thread can therefore be given a tension rating. Larger machines are used to measure thicker threads. This heavy scale stands 30 inches (76cm) tall, the museum has 5 various sized machines from 15 inches (38cm) up to a wall mounted one 51 inches (130cm) tall.
W.H. Baily & Co. Ltd. Antique Coffee Scale
         
     
         
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