Vintage English Boots Kitchen Scales 7 Brass Bell Weights On Cast Iron Stand

  
VINTAGE ENGLISH BOOTS WHITE KITCHEN SCALES 7 BRASS BELL WEIGHTS ON CAST IRON STAND. John Boot, an agricultural worker, moved to Nottingham, England, and opened a small herbalist store in 1849, from. His business soon proved popular, especially with the working poor of Nottingham's new industries, who could not afford the services of a doctor. After John's death in 1860, his son, Jesse took sole control and his talent for business was soon evident. He expanded the range of products to include proprietary medicines and household necessities.

In 1884, Jesse's first shops opened outside the city, in Lincoln and Sheffield. Jesse's policy of superior goods at competitive prices delivered with expert care, meant that the Boots name quickly became synonymous with quality, value and service. History does not record when the company started to manufacture kitchen scales. Should they ever get out of balance, rather unlikely, there is a small box holding weights on the underside of the weights stand which can be reached via a screw at the top.

They have been used but the condition is excellent. There is some reflection in the photos.

Discolouration in the brass bowl. Brass is soft and when potentially corrosive stuff, like salt, is placed in the bowl and not wiped clean a reaction happens and the surface of the brass is affected. Sometimes it can be almost all removed but it rather depends on how long the stuff was left in there. Almost every bowl I come across has some similar marks.

They are a nice size, 12" wide, 7.5" high, 9 deep including the bowls, not taking up too much room on your worktop. I cannot say when these scales were made.

I wish I could as I get asked all the time. There are no historical records of scales manufacture and all my research has not uncovered much information. At one time, in the very early days, scales had a verification stamp, designed to ensure they were properly calibrated, and this could be dated. When it was no longer necessary to have scales verified these stamps were discontinued. So basically it is not possible to date scales after around 1900.

Also, sellers like Boots used different manufacturers at different times. Their moulds were different so the resulting scales were not the same either. Furthermore, as companies were taken over any historical records were dumped. UK couriers will not accept a PO Box address as US couriers will not deliver to one. You may be concerned that they have to be sent such a long way but I can assure you there is no need. I use large sturdy boxes and pack all the spaces so they remain rigid. The scales are wrapped in bubble wrap and bound with cardboard and tape so they do not move about. The weights are packed separately also in bubble wrap. I will gladly provide further information or photographs.