Featured Toledo industrial scale

what can anyone tell me about this Toledo Scale I just acquired? It weighs items up to 250lbs plus a 100-lb slide scale. It's spot on for calibration but we're wondering who might have used something so big? I think it's made out of cast iron. Would be so cool in a coffee shop or with industrial decor.

 

Back in the day, virtually every small business that did shipping had one. The shipping container often weighed 40 pounds or more. I think supply exceeds demand today.

 

If it's spot on , you could play the ol' guess your weight game !!

 

Before dinner, not after!

 

I have heard this shape scale referred to as a lollipop scale. Here's another:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toledo-Honest-Weight-250Lb-Scale-/121090632992?hash=item1c31906d20

I've seen these in my family wholesale meat companies back in the 1940s-1970s. As those particular meat companies were started as early as the 1890s, I don't know the age of the scales I saw. Big sides of meat were shipped in by refrigerator cars, trains, from packing houses in Chicago. The men unloaded the cars by slinging whole sides of beef over their shoulders and carrying them to the refrigerated areas. There they were butchered into custom orders for local institutions and markets. They also had this type of scale with the bed/platform at waist level where they could easily places a custom order for weighing. Example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Toledo-Lollipop-Meat-Scale-with-Platform-Model-31-1821-FR-/281583092299?nma=true&si=%2F7vKWUJ4932E4vXXCHDoX1Wv%2F3I%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Tol...ith-Casters-/111764948671?hash=item1a05b5c6bf

--- Susan

"American wholesale meat market during World War 2. The meat bears government inspection stamps. Photo was taken as part of the government information campaign against black market meat. July 1943."

 

Here's one presumably used in a textile factory:
http://www.tias.com/5003/PictPage/3924037402.html

--- Susan

 

THAT is FREAKIN' COOL!!!
I've not seen one like this for awhile but your ideas for it are great!
The works visible do it all!

 

Hi,
Reminds me of my thinking of getting my first tattoo. I was going to get a purple stamp of the Dept of Agri of choice beef on my butt.
greg

 

YIKES!
Reminds me of mine...oh...never got any.

 

I saw one a few weeks ago as yard art - in place of a lamp post - no base. Looked pretty cool I thought, wife thought it looked tacky.

 

I think that would be a shame. Banished to rot outside...unless it was beyond help.
Since I seem to be the resident 'sign guy'... I might see if I could put some indirect neon in hers in an appropriate color.

 

If all else fails, it would make a great Ebay package scale.(LOL)

 

The pipe frame I'm sure you know is a home-made add-on for some owner's personal preferences. These scales did not come with that.

 

I like the little wheels !!

 

GREAT wheels!
Grab 'em when I see them!
I have seen these with a similar pipe frame on them. Probably added because of gorillas throwing stuff at it.

 

This has been great to read all the thoughts and advice posted here. I'm thinking of trying to sell this beauty. I've seen some similar listed up to $1k but I can't imagine anyone is going to buy it for that price. Any recommendations on a smart listing price? And EBay? Or other selling means?

 

You may be surprised... It looks in great condition so don't undersell it!!!
~
HEY! My 3,000th message!!!!!
TA DA!!!!!

 

CONGRATS King.....for reaching that lofty milestone !!!

 

Thank you!!!!

 

Hi KOT,
Congrats on your 3000th.
greg