• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

W T Avery scales

Remember that in those days all prices were calculated using mental arithmetic. The weight in lbs and oz times the price per pound in shillings and pence. Scales like these, and not all shops had them, helped the calculation of ounces by the price per lb but if the weight was over 1 lb you still had to do that calculation in your head. A pencil and the corner of a sheet of wrapping paper was only for when you had to add up a number of items.
 
This afternoon I have been working as a volunteer for London Open House in a set of old commercial buildings next to the canal, part of which was originally a gas and coke depot and later a paper warehouse. It's now artists studios and a hire out venue space.

I spotted these huge Avery scales in there and thought they would be of interest. The weighing plate was built into the concrete floor.

20220918_125547.jpg

20220918_125622.jpg
 
see also

Henry Pooley & Sons

I'm trying to find any photos or illustrations of the Henry Pooley & Sons factory in Heath Mill Lane. The main factory was listed as being in Liverpool but they transferred to Birmingham. Eventually they were taken over by W. & T. Avery. Thanks
birminghamhistory.co.uk
 
My only connection with Avery's other than kitchen scales is that my Infant and Junior School in Bearwood held their sports day at Avery's sports ground off Sandon Road. I'm astonished and delighted that Avery Fields is still going strong as a community sports hub. https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bournvillerfc/a/bournville-minis-juniors-33538.html?page=2

I see that the once derelict grounds were earmarked for housing. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/derelict-bearwood-playing-fields-to-reopen-167711
 
The Avery sports grounds had been earmarked for housing as long as I can remember. The first edition of the Birmingham A-Z showed dotted lines for roads and I think I had seen that on earlier maps. Gaps for these roads were left in the City Road houses.
 
I live in South Australia. I am helping an elderly friend of mine ( who does not have a computer) who collects along with may other things - Avery Scales.
He has a very old cast iron one that we cannot find any information or pictures about. He seems to think it is quite rare and may date from around the 1850's.

The only serial number he could find was S505 . I am not sure if it is a table top scale but on sides it has handles , smaller than larger cast iron Avery Scales, has long arm type mechanism out from one the side and, the plate says " W &T AVERY LTD. MAKERS LONDON & BIRMINHGHAM".

I have attached photos.

Hope someone can shed some light on our scale.

cheers Paul
 

Attachments

  • Avery Resize 1.jpg
    Avery Resize 1.jpg
    481 KB · Views: 12
  • Avery Resize 3.jpg
    Avery Resize 3.jpg
    557.5 KB · Views: 12
  • Avery Resize4.jpg
    Avery Resize4.jpg
    544.3 KB · Views: 11
  • Avery Resize 2.jpg
    Avery Resize 2.jpg
    430.6 KB · Views: 12
Hi,
I have had for going on 10 years a Round Dial Avery 10lb set of Scales, Model No A954 71 - Patent No 524,561 - No 1201 CEA / S. 520750.
The S. 520750 is beautifully hand painted unlike the previous numbering etc. I would love to know more if anyone could fill me in. It's made in Birmingham and the Mirror work is stunning. Wondering if it's from a fancy Foodhall or topline Butchers possibly pre 2nd World War? Any help appreciated. I bake Sourdough as a hobby.
Thank you
 

Attachments

  • 20240901_130820.jpg
    20240901_130820.jpg
    1.7 MB · Views: 13
Greatly appreciated Master Brummie. Many thanks. I was guessing just before the war. I did see the US advert but wasn't sure how much they would know or what stacked up. Thank you again.
 
I remember similar scales to that in a whole variety of shops as a child growing up - so late 50s and early 60s. Greengrocer, butcher, grocer all used ones like that.
 
I remember them mostly in geengrocers' shops. The curved ends/lips aiding the transfer of vegetables to brown paper bags/carrier bags, string bags etc.

Never knew they had a spirit level attached, but I suppose that would be a Weights and Measures requirement to ensure proper positioning to give accurate measurements. That might help date this one.

Lovely item !
 
Last edited:
Vivienne14 said:
I remember them mostly in geengrocers' shops. The curved ends/lips aiding the transfer of vegetables to brown paper bags/carrier bags, string bags etc.

Never knew they had a spirit level attached, but I suppose that would be a Weights and Measures requirement to ensure proper positioning to give accurate measurements. That might help date this one.

Lovely item !
Click to expand...
Thank you. I love it!
 
Lignumvitae said:
Hi,
I have had for going on 10 years a Round Dial Avery 10lb set of Scales, Model No A954 71 - Patent No 524,561 - No 1201 CEA / S. 520750.
The S. 520750 is beautifully hand painted unlike the previous numbering etc. I would love to know more if anyone could fill me in. It's made in Birmingham and the Mirror work is stunning. Wondering if it's from a fancy Foodhall or topline Butchers possibly pre 2nd World War? Any help appreciated. I bake Sourdough as a hobby.
Thank you
Click to expand...
I worked in a greengrocers and butcher shops after school circa 1955/59 and I would say bas3d upon the shape of the pan is was used in a greengrocer or similar. A butcher’s scale had a flat pan that I saw and with in three different butcher shops of that period. Hope that helps!
 
Vivienne14 said:
I remember them mostly in geengrocers' shops. The curved ends/lips aiding the transfer of vegetables to brown paper bags/carrier bags, string bags etc.

Never knew they had a spirit level attached, but I suppose that would be a Weights and Measures requirement to ensure proper positioning to give accurate measurements. That might help date this one.

Lovely item !
Click to expand...
When the weight & measure people came into the store to check the scales, the first thing they checked was the spirit level (it provided a more accurate scale) then they checked each counter weight to a British Standard that they carried with them in a velvet lined box.
 
Richard Dye said:
I worked in a greengrocers and butcher shops after school circa 1955/59 and I would say bas3d upon the shape of the pan is was used in a greengrocer or similar. A butcher’s scale had a flat pan that I saw and with in three different butcher shops of that period. Hope that helps!
Click to expand...
Thank you, very helpful. The one for sale in Los Angeles was an American saying Butchers so I did take it with a pinch of salt.
 
Richard Dye said:
When the weight & measure people came into the store to check the scales, the first thing they checked was the spirit level (it provided a more accurate scale) then they checked each counter weight to a British Standard that they carried with them in a velvet lined box.
Click to expand...
Thank you. Cheers.
 
Astonian said:
HI EVERY ONE
In My Youth I Worked At Avery scales ltd ;
And I Worked Along Side My UNCLE Bill.
Whom Worked There From His Younger DAYS Right Up To His Retirement
Days And He Got A Gold Watch;
Any Way I Was Wondering Wether Or Not Can Anybody Tell ME
Who , What Why ; [ MEANING Can ANYBODY Tell Me How Did They Start
And whom Was The FOUNDER Of AVERY SCALES And When Did They Fist Stared The Bussiness ? ,And Also The First Ever Weighing Machine Was
Produced AT FOUNDRY LANE WINSON GREEN ,
And Are They Still There ?, thank you .
have a nice Day Every one Best Wishes ASTONIAN ;;;
Click to expand...
I have some very old Avery Scales.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top