Fine Antique Victorian English Brass Postal Scales Sampson Mordan Balance
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Postal scales were introduced in the mid 19th Century after Rowland Hill (the founder of the postage stamp) suggested that letters should be charged by weight rather than number of pages. After this, most wealthy homes had their own set on the master's desk! This auction is for a fine set of vintage brass postal scales distributed by the renowned Victorial jeweller Sampson Mordan . This is a very neat set in very good condition. The scales are really well made, which is typical of Mordan. This beautiful set would make a wonderful talking point to any room. The set has weights from 4oz to 1/4oz and 3 are original Mordan weights (where the OZ is above the value). A couple of the weights are not great fits. The set has a pale polished base with a wonderful patina. I think the wood may be a fruit wood...but I cannot be sure. The base is mounted on 4 turned wooden feet and the underside is the characteristic textured paper. The letter plate has the postage rates in use between 1871 and 1897 with an additional broken ivorine plaque for larger items The scales measure 8" by 4" by 4” high. A wonderful set and a highly collectable piece of history. ..
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