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What is a penny scale?

1 Answer
What is a penny scale?
A penny scale is one of the first coin-operated vending machines ever made. When you deposit a penny and stand on the scale, the machine displays your weight in pounds on a dial. The first penny scales appeared in drugstores, carnivals and other public places during the 1880s. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of penny scales.
1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
Shop for Penny Scale on 1stDibs
Art Deco Watling Enameled Floor Penny Scale
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco red enameled metal floor penny scale by Watling Chicago Co., mirror to front, Measures
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Mills Novelty Art Deco Green Porcelain Penny Scale
By Mills Novelty Company
Located in Ferndale, MI
Art Deco period penny scale by Mills Novelty co. Period green porcelain pedestal with cream colored
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Antique Columbia Penny Scale, Coin Operated
By Columbia Weighing Machine Company 1
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a wonderful piece of Americana! It’s an authentic penny scale that were often used at drug
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Glass

Art Deco Rock-Ola "Loboy" Porcelain Enamel Coin-Op Penny Scale
By Rock-Ola
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beginning in the Late 19th Century, the penny scale offered a means for passersby to quickly check
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Vintage Carnival Midway Penny Pitch Game
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Nicely scaled carnival midway penny pitch game. Original paint surface. Graphic bold design with
Category

Vintage 1940s American Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Tin Penny Toy Bi-Plane Horn, Germany, circa 1910
Located in Incline Village, NV
Penny Toys were just that; toys made to sell for a penny or very inexpensively. This particular toy
Category

Vintage 1910s German Folk Art Toys

Materials

Tin

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