Antique Howe Industrial Feed Scale

Item Details

An antique cast iron and wood Howe industrial feed/grain scale. Howe scales were manufactured for one hundred five years and were invented and perfected by Frank M. Strong of Vermont. In 1856, Strong added ball bearings to Howe scales and this ingenious invention won him all of the prizes for scale technology in industrial arts at the Paris Exhibition. The company ceased operation in 1982. This feed or grain scale has a single arm under which are mounted a weigh beam with an iron weight attached which can be moved for calibration. At the end of the beam is a hook on which hangs a weight holder. The post that holds the beam holds the spring which carries the weigh beam. The platform is cast iron but the weighing platform is wood, suspended on the cast iron. There are six cast iron weights included of various weight measurements. Although some of the cast printing is illegible, we read, ‘Howe Scale Made By Brandon Vt.’, ‘Pat. Jan 15 – 1898(?) and Aug 20 – 1867’ and has the Howe and Brandon manufacturing companies’ names and locations. The scale rests on four small wheels, and there is a hitch to the front of the scale and a pull handle to the end.

Condition

There is significant rusting to the iron parts and the weights. The wheels move, but very stiffly. The wood parts show their age, The scale platform appears to work, and the scale arm moves; however, calibration cannot be guaranteed due to the rusted condition and age of the parts. this item is extremely heavy; please assure appropriate support, tools, and vehicle to manage loading and unloading this item.

Dimensions

Item #

15CIN296-361