letter scale
with postal weight limits

This letter scale was made by Philipp Jakob Maul from Hamburg in Germany. The letter scale has a few special features. On the scale up to 250 grams, different types of post are listed in words at certain weights. In succession, it says:

 - BRIEFE (= Letters) above 15, this was valid from January 1, 1875 to April 1, 1900;
 - DRUCK S. (in full: Drucksachen = Printed Matter) above 50, this was valid from January 1, 1875 to April 1, 1900;
 - WAAREN-PR. AUSL. (in full: Warenproben Ausland = Samples Abroad) above 100, this was valid from April 1, 1879 tot April 1 1906;
 - WAAREN-PR. INLD. (in full: Warenproben Inland = Samples Domestic) above 250, this was valid from April 1, 1875 to October 1, 1918.
 
Based on the validity periods of these postal weight limits in the German Empire, this letter scale would date from the period April 1, 1879 to April 1, 1900. However, there is another special feature, namely the zero adjustment screw. On the upper surface of the screw head is the first logo of PHilipp Jakob Maul. This PHJM logo was introduced in June 1888 and used until June 1898. This shortens the dating of this letter scale even further: from June 1888 to June 1898.
The scale has a stripe of measure per five grams. The nickel-plated scale has some traces of wear. The weighing mechanism is made of brass, the heavy base is made of cast iron. The scale is 27 centimeters high, the letter plate is 9 cm round, the scale base is 17 x 10 cm.
Below are some more images of the Ph.J. Maul letter scale from the period June 1888 - June 1898.