Mills "Standard" Weighing Scale, ca.1910
by Jim and Merlyn Collings
The Mills "standard" scale is a
sturdy and handsome scale which is
relatively maintenance free. The
simple spring mechanism needs lit-
tle adjustment or attention (photo
1). The scale measures 69" H, 15"
W and a depth of 25". It weights
around 150 lbs. It's a real space
saver!
The scale is accented with an
unusual decorative style. The mar-
quee is shaped like a "kidney bean"
as some collectors suggest. The
words CORRECT WEIGHT / 1
CENT are embossed on the mar-
quee with a hand and finger point-
ing to the coin entry on the right
side. Flowers and design adorn
the marquee surface. The scale
bezel has a beaded appearance
and a "rope-like" design encir-
cling it (photo 2). The scale's
enameled face is royal blue and
white. A large white four-leaf
clover with the words: WHICH
WAY ARE YOU GROWING/
FAT I LEAN / GET YOUR
EXACT WEIGHT HERE are dis-
played on it. Also weight gradations are defined by
the words: BANTAM WEIGHT / FEATHER /
LIGHT / ????? / MIDDLE /
LIGHT HEAVY / HEAVY
WEIGHT. the scale face also
reads: STAND ON PLATFORM
BEFORE DROPPING COIN I
TO WHICH CLASS DO YOU
BELONG (photo 3). Apparently
boxing was a favorite sport dur-
ing this period.
The top of the narrow column
has a flowery design (photo 2). The scale pictured
in this article (from our own collection) is copper
flashed. This helps to highlight the decorative por-
tions of the scale. Originally, the Mills Novelty Co.
of chicago, ILL., manufactured the "standard" in
aluminum or silver color. The Mills co-prided
themselves by stating their "standards" scale was
inexpensive. Moisture-proof for outdoor use and
extremely reliable. They even went so far to say
that "pennies inside the scale would not corrode".
The bottom of the narrow column is also ornate-
1 y fl uted. Extending out from each side are claw
feet that enhance the scale and provide greater sta-
bility. The Mills Novelty Co.
felt the scale base was almost
"untipable" even though the
base is relatively small in size
(photo 4).
The side portion of the
scale's head has a fluted design.
The rear portion of the scale's head
(which includes the cash door) is
designed like a clam shell (photo
5). This reminds us of the muto-
scope "clam shell" arcade machine.
Part of this unique
back includes a
well constructed hinged cash box
door (photo 6). The actual copper
cash box, having a trapezoidal
shape fits nicely inside the scale
head. The cash box is uniquely
grooved to accommodate the con-
necting rod inside the scale
column (photo 7). Our Mills
"standard" foot plate is
inscribed:
THE SPE-
CIALTY
SCALE CO. I DAYTON, OHIO
(photo 8). They were one of sev-
eral scale distributors in the early
1900's.
We highly recommend the
Mills Novelty "Standard" scale
for any coin-op collector. It has so
much going for it! It's clever
wording on the face of the scale, unusual marquee,
decorative styling and wonderful simplicity make
it a real winner.
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