Vintage W&T Avery B'Ham Weighing Scales with Weights. Distributed by South African Scale Co.
Vintage W&T Avery B'Ham Weighing Scales with Weights. Distributed by South African Scale Co.These are antique cast-iron balance scales, likely late 19th to early 20th century, of the counter (grocers or kitchen) scale type. The scale has a single large shallow iron pan on the right for weighing goods. On the left is a tiered holder with nested iron weights, indicating its a traditional balance scale rather than a spring scale.
The beam is cast iron and clearly marked W & T Avery Ld and To Weigh 14 lb, identifying it as a British-made scale by W. & T. Avery Ltd, a well-known Birmingham manufacturer of weighing equipment. Also bears a metal plaque stating "SOUTH AFRICAN SCALE Co. Ltd".
The base is white enamelled cast iron, with visible wear and 2 chips exposing the metal underneath - consistent with age and use.
The overall construction is heavy, utilitarian, and industrial, designed for accuracy and durability rather than portability.
These scales would have been used in grocery shops, markets, or households to weigh foodstuffs such as flour, sugar, produce, or meat, using standardized iron weights.
Character & condition:
Honest surface wear and patina
Complete with 5 x weights (a big plus for collectability)
Functional appearance, even if now mostly decorative
Overall, its a classic, well-preserved example of a British merchants balance scale, valued today as a collectible, decorative piece, or functional antique.
