Peerless letter scale

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The “Peerless” Letter Scale is a pendulum, hanging-style scale that features a clip and a hook to weigh both letters and small parcels. The nickel-plated scale was used for items weighing up to 12 ounces.

Scales became fixtures in post offices in the mid-19th century when postal officials tied postage rates to the weight of the mail. Clerks and postmasters measured letters and packages to ensure customers were charged the right amount of postage. Many customers bought scales to weigh mail before going to the post office.

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