FAIRBANKS Physician Platform Scale 400 LB Rare Victorian Doctor’s Office Antique
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:123369 | Country of Manufacture: United States |
| Maker: Fairbanks |
Fairbanks Antique Physician Platform Scale (400 lbs. capacity)A rare and gorgeous antique physician’s platform scale from Fairbanks, the leading manufacturer of 19th- and 20th-century platform scales for industrial, agricultural, medical, and other applications. How Fairbanks Transformed World IndustryIt all began with two brothers, Thaddeus and Erastus Fairbanks. Thaddeus, a mechanic and builder, was a wagonmaker by trade. Full of new ideas for inventions, he built a foundry in 1823... to manufacture two of his inventions - the cast iron plow and a stove.In 1824, Erastus joined Thaddeus' lucrative business. The two brothers formed the E & T Fairbanks Company in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Once in business together, the two brothers realized that the current weighing system yielded inaccurate results. So, Thaddeus decided to invent a new, more dependable weighing machine.After much tinkering and gradual design improvements, Thaddeus built his first real platform scale in 1830 and applied for a patent. The new scale was a hit. Before the design was finalized, customers were already placing orders. It looked like the opportune time for the business to expand.While the Fairbanks brothers were building the foundations of Fairbanks Scales, the United States was stepping into the Industrial Age and on its way to becoming the strongest industrial nation in the world. The E. & T. Fairbanks Company played an integral role in the emerging world giant. By the time of the Civil War, Fairbanks scales were the best known American product in the world...[excerpted in part from the company’s website]Item Description Exceptional antique condition. This scale appears to be complete and well-appointed, with all original components in their correct positions.We noticed this Fairbanks platform scale while purchasing books from the prior owner’s estate in Missouri. What initially grabbed our attention was the exceptional brass (?) plate adorning the scale’s cast-iron platform base. It’s really quite impressive, emblazoned with the “Fairbanks” name. The quality of the piece seems only to improve upon closer inspection. The arching black metal (?) Fairbanks sign remains in excellent condition, as do the scale’s other basic elements: cast-iron base, platform plate, brass weights, hook/pull and other mechanistic components, extendable brass height measuring rod, oak (?) wooden post, etc. The scale appears to be 100% complete and original. (We have not tested its functionality, but presumably it works and may only require basic maintenance). In comparison with other Fairbanks medical scales that have sold in recent years, we would note especially the following original elements that are included on the listed item:i) intact brass height measuring rod, complete with the proper 19th-century identifying company mark: “E. & T. Fairbanks & Co. St. Johnsbury VT”. The rod extends vertically out from its brass base, which is attached in two spots to the front of the 4x4” post; ii) vibrant “Fairbanks Standard” globe decal overlaid on the front side of the post. (We are not sure what material is used here, but the fact that a thin overlay/veneer remains in place and looks nearly pristine, provided our first indication that the piece has been exceptionally well-maintained for generations); iii) arched black (metal?) “Fairbanks” lettered sign, attached at its ends to the vertical and horizontal posts, respectively;iv) two (2) pull handles, located on both front and back sides of the cast iron base;v) gorgeous platform plate, made of brass (?) and emblazoned with the “Fairbanks” name; positioned atop the cast-iron platform base.Additional details / specs.Approximate dimensions: 33 x 30 x 58 inches Weight: HEAVY (exact figure TBD)Comments: Please note that the listing photos were taken on site. There was some dust at the platform base and the components had not been cleaned. We have since lightly wiped the components with a non-abrasive rag.This is a truly stunning piece and should make a fine addition to any Fairbanks collection. We welcome bids from qualified buyers. DISCLAIMER Please note that we are NOT experts or collectors of antique medical / industrial scales. Our listing description is accurate to the best of our knowledge after conducting only rudimentary diligence. Buyers are presumed to be sufficiently qualified and knowledgeable as to not require reliance on seller’s best knowledge. Respectfully, we ask that you rely on your own independent evaluation of this item and independently verify any details as you deem necessary. Please review the listing photos carefully before purchasing or contacting allsetbooks (seller) with any product-related questions. Thanks in advance for your understanding. Freight/ShippingFreight: We will gladly work with you to arrange freight/shipping, but the list price does not include shipping and buyer pays. Local Pick-UpPurchaser may be required to send seller an EBay message (or sign a release) confirming satisfaction with their on-site inspection before taking possession of the listed item. All listings are sold through Ebay without exception. Local pickup sales are subject to Ebay guidelines and rules. Please refer to their written policies for further guidance.No Returns While we cannot practically accept Returns on this item, we always try to be reasonable and cooperative so as to ensure that all parties are satisfied with the transaction. If a buyer purchases the scale but isn’t satisfied with its condition upon inspection, we will in that instance gladly agree to cancel the transaction and issue a full refund (provided that’s a sufficient remedy to ensure buyer’s satisfaction). Please review our customer feedback to verify our reputation for providing exceptional customer service. BUY WITH CONFIDENCE.About Usallsetbooks is a team of experienced online resellers with a special interest in books and learning. We aim to sell each listed item at a fair price to a happy customer, and to serve as a reliable trading partner for active buyers of books, media items, and related collectibles/antiques. Our listings are often priced below the rest of the market, according to real-time data from the largest online retail platforms. We invite you to add allsetbooks to your saved Ebay favorites.
