Fairbanks Tabletop 1-Pound Grain Scale
Subject
Description
This table model grain scale weighs 16-ounce samples. It was usually used in labs to determine the properties of the sample including moisture and inert material.
The two measures on the beam tell the weight of a sample (upper) and the percentage of deduction for the sample after cleaning and drying (lower). It is unusual that the beam does not have a weight-per-bushel graduation.
It is made of cast iron with a brass beam. This rectangle base is probably found on the earlier models. This example is missing the brass cup that holds the grain.
Franklin Fairbanks, son/nephew of the company founders, was issued the patent in 1877. The patent covers the two graduations on the beam.
References:
See Exhibits > Introduction to Grain Scales
Date
Late 1870s, 1880s, early 1890s
Format
13 W x 3.5 D x 5 H in.
(33 x 9 x 12.5 cm)
(33 x 9 x 12.5 cm)
Identifier
PK305
Collection
Citation
E. & T. Fairbanks & Company, St. Johnsbury, Vermont, USA, “Fairbanks Tabletop 1-Pound Grain Scale ,” Antique Scales Collection Online, accessed May 11, 2026, https://isasc.omeka.net/items/show/181.
Comments
Malcolm Mathias
This uses the base developed by Howard and Davis of Boston for the 1855 Postal Scale. The graduations on the scale have been adapted to suit grain weighing, thus the narrow Patent granted. Fairbanks took over the US Post Office contract from Howard and Davis in 1875, and obviously took little time to re-purpose what they inherited from Howard and Davis. Have a good look at the Stephenson, Howard and Davis scales donated by Betty Wright, and also EQM p2370 Fig7.