Brass & Metalware

Antique Balduin Heller Art Nouveau Brass Letter Scale German DRP Postal Desk Collectible

Antique Balduin Heller’s Söhne Art Nouveau postal letter scale dating to the early 1900s, featuring an elegant bilateral balancing mechanism and beautifully detailed brass construction. This authentic pre-metric postal scale was produced for the British market and calibrated in ounces, making it both a fascinating historical instrument and a striking decorative display piece. The scale is stamped to the reverse with: * OEST P 1766 * UNG P 18742 * DRP 112860 / 121631 These patent markings relate to Balduin Heller’s Söhne of Teplitz, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (now Teplice, Czech Republic), with patents dating from around 1900. The design is strongly influenced by the Art Nouveau / Jugendstil movement, with graceful curved arms, an ornate pierced brass weighing platform and decorative scrollwork base. The lower scale measures from 0 to 1/2 ounce in 1/16 oz increments, while the upper scale measures from 1/2 ounce to 4 ounces, also in 1/16 oz increments. A wonderfully decorative and mechanically interesting antique, ideal for: * dark academia interiors * antique office decor * postal history collectors * scientific instrument collections * steampunk and industrial styling The mechanism still moves smoothly when handled. Sold primarily as a decorative collectible and untested for weighing precision. Measure Approximately: 15cm high, 9.5cm wide and 6.5cm deep. They weigh just 192gr. In good antique condition with age-related wear, patina, oxidation and surface marks consistent with genuine age and use. Please review all photos carefully as they form an important part of the description. Colours may vary slightly depending on lighting and screen settings. Props not included. All of my vintage and antique pieces show signs of age and previous use, which add to their charm and authenticity. Please expect natural patina, light surface scuff and scratch marks throughout consistent with age. I always do my best to highlight any notable details in the photos, so please check them carefully as they form part of the description. *The items may be packaged with repurposed materials.