Bulgarian Computing Scale  Fan-dial Inclination Scale

This is a "Neigungsschaltwaage" type of fan-dial price computing scale, made in Bulgaria. One translation of "Neigungsschaltwaage" is “Inclination scale.” In the German version of Wikipedia, "Inclination scales were developed and built several times in the 18th century by the pastor and inventor Philipp Matthäus Hahn."¹ This principle is frequently called a pendulum scale and is clearly seen on mechanical letter scales.²

An unusual feature is a dial on the side. The price chart shows 0–1000 grams; then, the dial turns to add from 1–9 kg. The mechanism is adding weight to the pendulum in proportion to one kilogram at a time.

The total capacity is 10 kg (22 pounds). In the top two photos, above, the dial was set at 3; in the close-up, the dial is set at 7.

This is a painted scale, and a sticker shows it was certified in 1995. The styling suggests it was made in the 1950s or 1960s.

References:
¹Wikipedia article: Click Here
²See Glossary of Terms > Pendulum Scale
Also see Exhibits > Price Computing Scales

©ISASC. Photo license: CC BY-NC 4.0