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Description
Vintage Salter Grosvenor No. 20102 Scale
A classic mid-20th century mechanical kitchen or utility scale made in England. Features a durable pressed steel body, glass-covered dial, and a capacity up to 280 lbs. Known for its iconic black pointer and retro industrial design. A collectible piece with timeless appeal.
Category
European Furniture
Medium
🧱 Materials Used:
🟤 Body / Base:
Pressed steel (sheet metal)
* Likely mild steel, stamped into shape and then coated.
* Coated with paint or enamel, now mostly worn or rusted off in your unit.
🔘 Weighing Dial / Faceplate:
Paper or card dial under a protective lens
* The printed dial face was made from heavy cardstock or fiberboard, printed with black ink.
* Some versions were lightly coated with a matte finish to protect against moisture.
🔍 Lens (Cover over Dial):
Likely glass (not plastic)
* Given the era (1950s), the lens was almost certainly made of real glass, slightly domed or flat, not acrylic.
* Newer versions from the 1970s onward used plastic/acrylic, but this one predates that.
⬛ Needle / Pointer:
Black-painted steel or aluminum
* Lightweight and precision-cut, sometimes coated to prevent rust.
🟡 Internal Mechanism:
A combination of brass, steel, and tension springs
* The actual weight system uses levers, springs, and gears, typically made from brass or hardened steel, chosen for their durability and accuracy.
🟤 Body / Base:
Pressed steel (sheet metal)
* Likely mild steel, stamped into shape and then coated.
* Coated with paint or enamel, now mostly worn or rusted off in your unit.
🔘 Weighing Dial / Faceplate:
Paper or card dial under a protective lens
* The printed dial face was made from heavy cardstock or fiberboard, printed with black ink.
* Some versions were lightly coated with a matte finish to protect against moisture.
🔍 Lens (Cover over Dial):
Likely glass (not plastic)
* Given the era (1950s), the lens was almost certainly made of real glass, slightly domed or flat, not acrylic.
* Newer versions from the 1970s onward used plastic/acrylic, but this one predates that.
⬛ Needle / Pointer:
Black-painted steel or aluminum
* Lightweight and precision-cut, sometimes coated to prevent rust.
🟡 Internal Mechanism:
A combination of brass, steel, and tension springs
* The actual weight system uses levers, springs, and gears, typically made from brass or hardened steel, chosen for their durability and accuracy.
Distinguishing marks
🔍 Distinguishing Features
Model Number: No. 20102
This specific model number aligns with kitchen or small industrial scales from 1930 - 1960.
It was part of the Grosvenor line, a popular household series.
Elegant Pointer Design
The ornate pointer (diamond cutout) is consistent with pre-1960 designs, later simplified.
Stamped and Printed Label
The label visible through the glass says:
280LB x 1LB – this refers to maximum capacity and increment, and might have been used in commercial or heavy kitchen use.
Aged Riveted Construction
The way the casing is riveted and rusted indicates pre-1960s metal fabrication (before powder coating became common).
The rusting and patina visible are consistent with uncoated or poorly maintained steel over time.
Model Number: No. 20102
This specific model number aligns with kitchen or small industrial scales from 1930 - 1960.
It was part of the Grosvenor line, a popular household series.
Elegant Pointer Design
The ornate pointer (diamond cutout) is consistent with pre-1960 designs, later simplified.
Stamped and Printed Label
The label visible through the glass says:
280LB x 1LB – this refers to maximum capacity and increment, and might have been used in commercial or heavy kitchen use.
Aged Riveted Construction
The way the casing is riveted and rusted indicates pre-1960s metal fabrication (before powder coating became common).
The rusting and patina visible are consistent with uncoated or poorly maintained steel over time.
Condition
Fair
Date Period
1930 - 1960
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Vintage Salter Grosvenor No. 20102 Scale
Collector’s Estimate Report: Vintage Salter Grosvenor No. 20102 Scale
Item Description:
This is a Salter Grosvenor No. 20102 mechanical scale made in England, with a weight capacity of 280 lb x 1 lb increments. It features a pressed steel body, glass dial cover, and a cardboard dial face with printed numerals. The ornate black pointer and riveted construction are consistent with mid-20th century manufacture, likely dating between 1935–1955
Authentication and Maker Background
Maker: Salter Housewares (formerly George Salter & Co.)
Materials & Construction Details
Component
Material
Notes
Casing/Base
Pressed mild steel
Rusted; original paint/enamel worn off
Dial
Printed cardstock/fiberboard
Some staining and fading noted
Lens
Likely original glass
Slight fogging but intact
Pointer
Black-painted steel or aluminum
Pre-1960 decorative design
Mechanism
Brass and steel gears/springs
Non-visible but typical of the era
Condition Report
Market & Valuation
Comparable Sales:
Current Market Value (Your Item):
💵 Estimated Value: $35–$45 USD
Due to the rust and uncertain functionality, this scale has value primarily as a decorative collectible or restoration project, rather than as a precision measuring device.
Collectibility & Appeal
Recommendation
If you're considering selling or professionally appraising it for insurance or restoration purposes, consider: