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In 1856, Howe Scale Company was founded and became famous for its innovative and high-quality scales. Its scales were featured in and won virtually every award possibly, including first prizes at the Paris Exposition in 1867. By 1873, the company began manufacturing hand trucks and dollys like this one as a utility measure to better facilitate the handling of scales and parts within the factory. That same year, the warehouse, dryhouse, and office were destroyed by fire and the company relocated to Rutland, New Jersey.
This hand truck is most likely a very early model made pre-1886 since later models were made with more steel. It was most likely used within the factory by Howe Scale employees. The wood is in aged condition but is still very solid with a nice weathered and rustic patina to it. The wheels roll nice and smoothly.
Hand trucks like one have been repurposed as shelves, coffee tables, and racks for towels and other decor. The industrial style adds a great look for anyone going for the rustic industrial farmhouse decor in their home.
It also still works great for its original purpose as a hand truck!
Marked "HOWE" inside one the wheels.
One handle was broken and it looks like the original owner or Maker made an original fix with the same wood and bolts of the rest of the Dolly. Adds a lot of charm.
Stands 42" tall, 17" wide at the bottom and 19" wide at the top.
What is a fair asking price for such an item?
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