Antique Victorian Brass Postal Letter Scales by T.J. Smith, Son & Downes, London

Description

A handsome late Victorian brass postal letter scale by the respected London makers T.J. Smith, Son & Downes, dating from around 1885–1905.

Constructed with finely engineered brass arms mounted on a shaped solid mahogany base, the scale retains its original brass weighing pans together with the original graduated nest of brass weights. One pan is engraved with the Victorian postal tariff table headed “Postal Rates for Letters”, allowing the user to determine the correct postage based on the weight of a letter.

The beam is stamped “T.J. Smith, Son & Downes, London” and “Warranted Accurate”, reflecting the firm’s reputation for producing precision weighing instruments. During the late nineteenth century these scales would have sat on the desks of merchants, accountants, solicitors, shipping offices and postmasters throughout Britain, where they were used daily to calculate postal charges before posting correspondence.

Today they are appreciated just as much for their sculptural quality as for their historical interest. The warm mahogany, mellow brass and elegant mechanical form make this an exceptional decorative object for a home office, study, kitchen or library.

This example displays a rich, untouched patina with honest age-related wear consistent with over a century of use. The original brass weights are present and the scale remains a wonderful example of Victorian craftsmanship.

A highly collectable piece of British postal history that works equally well in traditional interiors, country houses and contemporary homes.