Fairbanks Imperial 4-Pound Grain Scale
Subject
Description
This Fairbanks grain scale is a 4-pound scale. It was used to determine the weight of grain in an Imperial bushel1. “Imperial” is stamped into the weight, made for the United Kingdom market.
The beam has three graduations. The top line tells the weight of an Imperial bushel. The second line is the actual weight of the sample. And the bottom line shows the percent of deduction for the sample after it is cleaned and dried.
Number 70 on the weight and beam shows they are matched; often the number will also be on the bucket bail. The other numbers on the scale are probably inspector numbers.
The scale is made of brass, with iron connector parts and bearings.
Fairbanks had an 1877 patent on this type of scale. So, with no patent showing on this example, it would have been made after the patent expired in 1894. It also has inspection seals of “GR,” which date its use after 1910.
References:
1See Exhibits > Introduction to Grain Scales
Date
Format
(40.5 x 15 x 43 cm)
Comments
Diana Crawforth-Hitchins
Have you considered the possibility that the grain steelyard was used in Canada? I have never seen sealers' marks on the poise of any UK steelyard. First thing to do _ find out whether the Canadians worked in bushels!