Page 49 - JOA August 2020

Journal of Antiques and Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to present:

Asheford Institute of Antiques
www.asheford.com
APPRAISERS CORNER A Commitment to Excellence Since 1966

Certified Appraisal Training

Hello, David – order for the spring-loaded Triner scale, and as the years went by asked
I went into my local post office and saw this antique postal scale on a Triner for changes and more rigid specifications for spring scales.
shelf. The postal worker, Ernie, took it down and I took some pictures. They In the 1930s Triner moved his operation to a larger factory at 2716
received it from a 90-year-old customer who used it in his business for many West 21st Street in Chicago. James Triner weathered the great depression
years. Ernie said the scale is still spot-on for weighing mail. I told him I through innovation and striving to manufacturer a precision scale. His
would get it appraised and get more information for them to put with the product was and is today a scale in demand.
piece on the shelf. I would have to see the scale in person to be absolutely sure, but by
What a great thing to appraise! Have Fun!! viewing the pictures I believe your particular scale is a Triner Peerless All
Judy Steel scale which was one of their larger precision scales of the day. It was
used primarily to weigh Parcels. I believe your scale was manufactured in
Hello Judy and thank you for the wonderful submission on behalf of the 1930s/40s era. It has original paint and decals and is in wonderful
the local Post Office. If I were to pick one item to appraise for the Post used condition. I also see by the maintenance tag on the lower side that
Office, it would be a Triner Peerless All Steel Postal Scale. it has been well maintained and probably works as well today as the day
In 1903 at the age of thirty, James M. Triner started the Triner Scale it was manufactured. One collector told me that the Triners were the best
and Manufacturing Company at 128 South Clinton Street in Chicago. Postal scale out there. His exact words were “You just can’t kill them” –
He was previously employed as a mechanical engineer with the Pelouze they are dependable, accurate, repairable, and very collectible.
Scale and MFG Company, also located in Chicago. I believe the smaller older Triner scales are the most collectible
Most scales of the early 1900s were balance scales and Mr. Triner’s because of their lightweight and they take up less shelf space. I have found
first scale, a tabletop scale called “The Precision,” was spring-operated. several Peerless-style Triner scales similar to yours that have sold in the
He was an effective salesman and was renowned in his ability to convince past three years. Some sold under $100, but two that were working
the United States Postal Service that his spring scales were more reliable properly and had up to date maintenance similar to yours sold in the
than balance scales and therefore the best scale to weigh letters and $250/$300 range. By the way, just as a side note, I was absolutely
packages. The US mesmerized as a child by anything mechanical and I can remember my
Postal Service local post office having a Triner scale similar to yours in the back room
placed an initial and used to weigh parcels in the 1960s.
Ernie, you have a
keeper! Display it, Use
it, and Enjoy it. It is a
great historic tool of the
United States Postal
Service.
– David

The Journal of Antiques & Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have
teamed up to provide our readers with professional appraisers to help you learn David Moore is part of the “Ask the Experts” appraising team for
more about and value your finds. Do you have questions about something you have the Asheford Institute of Antiques where he is an Honors graduate
acquired? We welcome your questions and photos. Send your information to and a Certified Asheford Institute of Antiques Appraiser.
editorial@journalofantiques.com or mail to Journal of Antiques & Collectibles, PO Mr. Moore has been buying, researching and selling the rare and
Box 950, Sturbridge, MA 01566 attn: Appraisers Corner. To learn more about unusual in antiques for over 50 years. David is currently the owner
becoming a “certified” antiques appraiser, visit www.asheford.com or contact the of D.L. Moore, CAA, an antiques appraisal business.
Admissions Office toll free at 877-444-4508.

A Would You Like To Be An Antique
P Appraiser or Dealer?
P Since 1966, The Asheford Institute of
R Antiques has been providing a Profit and
Pleasure Home Study course that offers
A tremendous financial and personal rewards.
I CERTIFIED APPRAISAL PROGRAM
S You can: For a FREE booklet mail coupon to:

A • Become A Certified Asheford Institute of Antiques

Appraiser.
L • Start your own 981 Harbor Blvd. • Ste. 3, Dept. 275JAC108
Destin, FL 32541-2525
business from your home. Or call: 1-877-444-4508
C • Choose the hours
you wish to work.
O • Become an Antique
Interior Designer. Name_____________________________
U • Learn to Sell & Address___________________________
R Appraise online City_______________________________
S • Complete a serious State________________ Zip__________
course with a Diploma.
E www.asheford.com

47
August 2020