Circa 1892 John Chatillon & Sons “New Favorite” 24-Lb Family Scale

Details

Description

A handsome late-19th-century John Chatillon & Sons “The New Favorite Family Scale,” made in New York and dating to the … Read more A handsome late-19th-century John Chatillon & Sons “The New Favorite Family Scale,” made in New York and dating to the 1890s.

This compact household counter scale features an unusually decorative embossed brass dial set into a black-painted cast-iron case. The sides retain their charming period floral decoration together with “The New Favorite Family Scale” branding, giving this functional Victorian object wonderful graphic and decorative appeal.

The New Favorite model is associated with a February 16, 1892 patent date, documented on surviving examples of the same 24-pound family scale. This example has a capacity of 24 lbs. and dates to circa 1892 or the 1890s.

John Chatillon established his New York scale-making business in 1835. Following his death, the company became John Chatillon & Sons in 1872 and continued as an important American manufacturer of weighing and measuring equipment. Surviving Chatillon scales range from utilitarian commercial and industrial instruments to more decorative household models such as this New Favorite Family Scale.

The combination of the richly toned brass dial, black iron body and surviving floral decoration makes this particularly appealing as an antique kitchen or pantry object. At just under nine inches high, it has substantial visual presence without requiring the space of a large commercial counter scale.

The scale remains operational, although as an antique measuring instrument it is offered primarily as a collectible and decorative object rather than for precision modern weighing.

Condition: Good antique condition consistent with more than a century of age and use, with expected wear, patina and surface variation to the brass, painted iron and decorative elements. The surviving age and wear contribute to the scale's authentic character. Please review photographs for the most complete assessment of condition.

Maker: John Chatillon & Sons, New York
Model: The New Favorite Family Scale
Date: Circa 1892 / 1890s
Capacity: 24 lbs.
Materials: Cast iron and brass
Dimensions: Approximately 6" W × 7.5" D × 9" H
Function: Operational See less