Stimpson Computing Scale, Detroit  Horizontal hanging barrel

The Stimpson Computing Scale Co. made this price computing, horizontal hanging barrel (or “cylinder”) scale in Detroit. This scale, model 50, has a 20-pound (9 kg) capacity. The ornate metalwork is a clear indicator of an early 1900s computing scale, and the light blue paint is probably the original color, although it may have been repainted. The ornate metalwork would be nickel-plated.

When barrel scales were introduced, they were hanging, like this example. Then, as barrel scales became more popular because they were fully automatic, companies began to fasten them to platforms. As an example, we also have a Stimpson horizontal barrel-top platform scale in the collection. It has more ornate metalwork, but the top and bottom metal pieces are identical to this example. (CLICK HERE)

Detroit, Michigan, was the fourth location for the Stimpson Computing Scale Company, existing from 1902–1911. However, this hanging scale version was probably during the early end of those years.

References:
See Exhibits > Price Computing Scales
For more information about company history, go to Maker Histories > Stimpson Scale Companies

©ISASC. Photo license: CC BY-NC 4.0