Posted 14 years ago
IowaLuckygal
(1 item)
This truly unique piece was handed down to me. I just think it's so neat. It has tentatively been identified as a truck scale or cattle scale. Unfortunately, I have had a hard time finding out much about it. I think I remember being told that it was taken off a farm and was sold/purchased at an auction, which is how my family members got ahold of it. It is in really good condition, although all I have is the superstructure. Of course, the platform and linkage to the scale is missing. In its prime working condition, I think it weighed up to 6,000 lbs. I have searched the internet and can not find much of anything about the Fairbanks/Moline connection but possibly started by one of the Fairbanks brothers, estimated to be approximately around the 1900's.
Here is the information:
Size: Width: 46", Depth: 12", Height: 58"
Manufacturer Name: E and T Fairbanks and Co.
Factory No. 2
East Moline, IL No. 51606 (stamped on a brass plate)
There was no patent number on it.
I would be interested to hear from anyone who knows anything about these things or the Fairbanks/Moline connection.
I have a similar scale but it has Meadows across the front...brass scale inside and in very good condition.....found mine in an old cattle shed....can't find out much information either.....but love it for its esthetics....also got lucky enough to find a smaller version with a different weight system....but still brass...will try to post some pictures....
ps....mine also has a door that flips up and locks ....shielding the scale inside..