French Country · Encyclopedia · Clocks, Instruments and Machines
Antique Scale
Kitchen, postal and shop scales.
Scientific & Measuring Instruments · Indicative US retail $40–$800
At a glance
- Family: Scientific & Measuring Instruments
- Periods most often found: Most date from 1850 to 1950.
- Typical price: about $150; range $40 to $800 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Maker, weights
What it is
Antique scales weighed flour, coffee, letters, medicines and gold. The French Roberval balance, with two brass pans above a cast-iron or marble base, stood on shop counters; kitchen scales came with cup-shaped brass weights nested in a case; postal scales, pharmacy balances in glass cases, and large platform scales from markets and railway stations complete the family.
How to identify and date it
Maker marks on the beam, the base or a plaque, verification stamps (poinçons) from French weights-and-measures inspectors, and complete sets of weights add value. Check that pans are original, the beam moves freely and the base is uncracked.
Maker marks and weights.
Periods and styles
Most date from 1850 to 1950.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most antique scale examples ask around $150. Simple or worn pieces start near $40, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $800. The main value drivers are: maker, weights. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Questions buyers ask: antique platform scales value; antique cotton scale value; antique fairbanks scales value; antique scale value. The answer depends on the points below, which are worth checking before you compare prices.
Before you buy
- Check weights and pans
- Read marks
- Test the mechanism
Living with it
A brass balance on a kitchen counter holds fruit or bread.
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How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.