Object Details
Description
A Photograph showing 6 men and 3 dogs on the platform of a wagon scale, with a box containing the scale’s balance to the right. Behind the men on the left is a fenced-in, two-story tall building, while on the right some trees can be seen.
This wagon scale was one of many platform scales used around the world. Erastus and Thaddeus Fairbanks of St Johnsbury, VT obtained the patent for the platform scale in 1831, and together with their brother Joseph, marketed the scales. Platform scales became popular around the world due to the versatile applications of weighing heavy objects like railroad cars or hay loads. The early platform scale was typically built on top of a bit dug into the ground, with a platform supported by levers built on top that was level with the ground. From there, any object could be driven on top and weighed.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
John Waldsmith
date made
paper
ID Number
1985.0053.08
accession number
1985.0053
1985.0053
Object Name
Print
Other Terms
Print; Photograph
Measurements
image: 3 1/8 in x 11 1/4 in; 7.9375 cm x 28.575 cm
overall: 8 1/4 in x 13 7/8 in; 20.955 cm x 35.2425 cm
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Work and Industry: Civil Engineering
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_849505