Ohaus Tabletop Balance Scale

This Ohaus scale could be used to weigh samples of grain, probably in a lab. Other products could also be weighed. The bearing covers have the “NSW” logo―National Scale Works―the scale’s maker.

It is labeled as having “Capacity 2 Kilos” (4.4 pounds), and the beam is in tenths of a gram. Iron pivots on each side make it accurate. The two knurled screws under the beam will balance the scale.

Newark Scale Works was created by the Ohaus brothers in 1914 and incorporated as OHAUS Scale Company in 1947, but we are uncertain of when NSW started to use the Ohaus brand. This example, without “Scale Company” as part of the OHAUS logo, was probably made before 1947.

Also, Gustav Ohaus has US Patent 1,732,612, issued in 1929, for a “Trip Scale.” This example shows several characteristics of the patent, including the roberval mechanism and large covers required for the special bearings. Patent information would be on a plate that is missing from the front of the scale’s base.

References:
See Exhibits > Introduction to Grain Scales