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This German-made scale was among the first to appear in the U.S.
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Penny scales first appeared in the United States in the 1880s as imports from Germany. According to collector Red Meade, Bladenfeldt and Bladenfeldt made the first U. S. scales and started a boom in the industry -- penny scales took in $50 million the first year of operation. Meade says he loves the nostalgic aspect of collecting. And his collection doesn't stop at penny scales -- he also owns many doctor's scales (including one featured in a famous Norman Rockwell illustration). Meade says the thrill of collecting comes from showing off his finds and giving others the chance to see a part of Americana that now exists only in museums or private collections.
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