Standard Computing Scale, Detroit  Premier, chart-beam

This price computing scale, by the Standard Computing Scale Co., Limited, of Detroit, has two uncommon features. One is obvious: The chart-beam―and it has two sides (like the one used by Walter Stimpson) which expands the available price range. The other is that it is a proportional balance, not an equal-arm balance.

A patent says the "Leverage being four to one"; so, the weights are proportional, too. This example shows a 5-pound weight, which at 4:1 would mean its actual mass is 1¼ pounds. A complete set of weights allowed the merchant to add 5, 10, 15, or 20 pounds―plus the 5 pounds on the chart beam gives a total capacity of 25 pounds (11.3 kg). This is a genuinely nice capacity for a small, simple scale.

One side of the chart-beam has 4–15 cents per pound on its chart; the other side has 16–70 cents per pound. (Look closely at the two photos.)

This example shows “Patent pending”; therefore, it was made in 1907 or 1908, during the 18 months between the patent being filed and issued. Louis Jaenichen¹ held the patents. Since Standard Computing Scale Company was formed in 1899, this scale would be a major step in its ability to continue in business until the barrel-top platform scale was developed.

©ISASC. Photo license: CC BY-NC 4.0