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Vintage Typewriter Gets a New Home

Help!!! Ideas Needed

Gretchen Schaumann, contributor

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Scale in question.

Closeup of the great brass measuring parts.

A view of the remaining glue I need to remove.  This scale weighs alot!

Scale in question.

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I bought this great scale this summer and am at a loss as to what to do with it.  It is a large piece, very heavy, and unfortunately there aren't too many places to display this piece in my home.  Anyone want to buy it?  Ha!  Ideas for what to do with it or displaying welcome.  Also, it must of been used in a floral display as it has some glue (appears like it may of been wood glue and does chip off) in the large pan portion of it.  The rest of the scale is in mint condition and I'm wondering if this maybe wasn't a baby scale way back when.  Anyone know?

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Comments (13)

Irish13 writes: Hi Gretchen,

Have you looked on Ebay under scales? You might see one like it there and can get a little more information about it.

Since it is a scale, I would put it in the bathroom. Is there a way you could add a small light to the back and use it as a nightlight? I think if it was in the bathroom the glow would be really pretty around it.

Pat Posted: 10:39 am on November 22nd

Chovey writes: Gretchen, I LOVE scales!! I guess you could say I 'collect' them since I think I now own about 10 or so. Just out of curiosity, what would you be asking for a piece like this? And where do you live that it woud have to be shipped?
Another decorating idea is to load it with pillar candles and use as a centerpiece? You could use it as a vegetable holder (potatos/onions?) in the kitchen. Load it up with bars of soaps and towels. See, the list goes on! ha
cynthia Posted: 6:55 pm on November 13th

csudderth writes: This is a really great scale. I would put in on my dining table and change the displays according to the seasons. I've got a sorta scale (don't really know what it is) and I put pumpkins, flowers, Christmas balls and greenery, croquet or pool balls or anything else. I am sure you are going to come up with a totally awesome use for this. It will become one of your treasured favorites.
Christy Posted: 8:17 pm on November 12th

MimiToria writes: Thanks everyone for great suggstions. I like the idea of packages wrapped up and laying in it. It is kind of open on the ends, so ornaments, or round items would roll out. It will probably find a place on my coffee table. My husband will think I'm nuts when he sees it. Come visit me in the mental institution. : ) Posted: 1:22 pm on November 12th

Junk_Sophisticate writes: Hi Gretchen -

I just wanted to say I love this piece...especially because it's black. It looks like you've gotten so many great suggestions to.

I picture it as a display for the holidays with packages wrapped in brown paper and pretty ribbon or string. Kind of reminiscent of an old-time postal scale. You could place it on your coffee table or next to your tree if you use one for the holidays.

I know you mentioned the color probably wouldn't go with your items on your porch and you feared rust. I'm pretty sure you could poly-coat it with a few coats and it should be protected...especially since your porch is covered. Just in case you ever change your color scheme out there.

(And if you were closer, I'd buy it from you ;)

Take care,

Candy

Posted: 6:13 am on November 12th

SnowmanHill writes: Great scale! I would put seasonal items in it and large candle. I'm sure with all the great suggestions you already have it all ready and displayed in your house. :)
Let us know what you do with it- Krista Posted: 8:17 pm on November 11th

LYNDALOU writes: Hi Gretchan, I agree with everything Lani suggested. Just wish it were mine. Would be great for outdoor serving display. If to big for top of coffee table, why not put it under the table with the magazines or rolled up blanket.
Love it
Lyndalou Posted: 3:19 pm on November 11th

shabbychick writes: You definitely don't want it to rust away - it's way too cool! But a woodsy/wintery display in it would be great!

Kathy Posted: 12:17 pm on November 11th

MimiToria writes: Kathy - the porch is a thought, however, it is the one area that is pretty shabby chic with whites other than my computer area, so the black would be probably too jolting out there. I also don't have a coffee table out there or anything big enough to hold it and with the MN weather about to hit us, I'd be concerned with the rust factor attacking this pc. It currently is in great shape other than this gunk someone added to glue something in years ago. The gal told me it was her Grandparents and they found it in the garage. It was very dirty, but otherwise in good condition when I bought it. Posted: 11:55 am on November 11th

shabbychick writes: Very cool - Gretchen. How about on your porch...as a planter with some holiday greenery, pinecones or "junk" arrangement??? Maybe a few small logs tied up with some vintage velvet ribbon... Would a small Christmas tree sit on it??

Can't wait to see - and of course it's one of those great pieces that could be re-purposed from one area to another - one of those traveling things...! :)

Kathy Posted: 11:37 am on November 11th

MimiToria writes: You guys have my mind buzzing. I do have 1 great place I could display this monster on. Either up or down on my coffee tables. I'd have to clear them of most everything else though for it to fit. It's probably about 2 feet x 1 1/2 feet big.
Lani- I think the top is pretty permanent, but I'll have to look again closer. Maybe, I have to remove that whole ball section under the top tray shown on the left in these photos. The tray is scooped up on 2 sides, but pretty flat like for a baby laying it on the ends.
You guys gave some great suggestions. The black does go with both of these rooms I mentioned above too, so that's a plus. Posted: 10:33 am on November 11th

junkin4fun writes: Gretchen,

What a cool scale. I think it would be fun to put on a table somewhere and make it a season display piece. For example maybe some pine branches and cones for Christmas or other Christmas things. Pumpkins and gourds for Halloween/Thanksgiving and etc. for other holidays.

Robin Posted: 10:28 am on November 11th

CottageElements writes: Hi, Gretch! Can the basket part be taken off and maybe replaced with something smaller? You could use in in a number of ways. On a counter filled with fruit, in a bathroom with towels or guest items, maybe on a coffee table (depending on how large it is) with magazines, in a game room with crochet balls, baseballs, pool balls or some other type of ball in it. If the basket can be taken off, you can use it for a plateholder on a buffet. Have you tried to sand and repaint the basket? You could just leave it empty, too, and use it as a conversation piece somewhere. I think the list is endless.

Lani Posted: 10:20 am on November 11th

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