Although there is no definitive history of letter scales being used at home, the most relevant information is that in England in 1852 postage stamps became more easily available, and it was no longer necessary to go to a post office to send a letter.
Post boxes were introduced to British streets the following year, and people just kept stamps at home till there were ready to post their letters. Many of the earliest letter scales (Of the type shown in this section) began to be purchased for home use, and it soon became the latest fashion for many Victorian homes to have a letter scale sitting on the desk of the study.
Trivia.
In 1852 the Postmaster and Novelist Anthony Trollope experimented with Pillar (Post) boxes for the collection of Post, in Jersey.
The following year (1853) the scheme was introduced to the mainland UK..
A late Georgian/Early Victorian Mahogany Postal scale.
£345
A late Georgian/Early Victorian Mahogany Postal scale with Brass metal, circa 1830's.
Ref PS003
