Antique French "Déposé" Brass Pendulum Letter Scale | Desk Clamp Postal Scale

Add a piece of 19th-century European office history to your desk with this unique antique pendulum postal scale. Stamped with "DEPOSE" (the French term indicating a registered design or patent), this mechanical letter scale features a fascinating brass counterweight system and a dark cast metal base equipped with a screw-clamp designed to mount directly to the edge of a writing desk or table.

The curved gauge measures up to 4 ounces ("OZS") in 1/2-ounce increments. When a letter is placed in the right-hand holding slot, the weighted brass pendulum swings upward, moving the indicator along the arc to display the exact postage weight. It makes an incredible, functional accent piece for a vintage office, a library, or a collection of antique scientific instruments and postal history.

Condition

Grade: Good Antique Condition

Details: The brass components exhibit a warm, natural, unpolished age patina with minor surface spotting and oxidation. The black-painted curved base shows typical light paint loss and age wear. The mechanical pivot points move freely, and the bottom desk clamp screw turns properly.

Measurements

Overall Height: Approx. 5 to 6 inches

Overall Width: Approx. 5 to 6 inches