Ask the Old Guy – July/August/September 2018

Hi Old Guy,

 

     We have had this scale in our basement storage cupboard for many years and just noticed while doing some spring cleaning that it’s from the Kodak Film Company. Can’t even remember where we got it, but would appreciate any info that you can provide us with.

 

     Thanks for your help.
     David Grevner, Ottawa.

 


Hi David,
     We get many emails about scales, but yours caught my eye due to its Kodak origin.
     The Kodak company was founded in 1888 by George Eastman. The Kodak Company took photography out of the professional portrait studios and into the hands of the general public. Your scale was manufactured by The Eastman Kodak Company beginning in 1910 and up until 1948. They were manufactured by Kodak to measure chemical ingredients used in the development of photographic processing. Film processing ingredients could be weighed by using  any combination of the six weights included with the scale. Your scale has all six original Avoirdupois brass weights along with the original pans. The centre support of the scale features the decorative EKC (Eastman Kodak Company) cutout design. Your scale would appeal to both photographic collectors as well as vintage mechanical scale collectors. I have seen these scales sell online in a wide range of values starting at $85 and up to $200 depending on condition and if the original box is included. The Kodak name at its peak was the fifth most valuable brand in the world. The company employed over 145,000 workers and was valued at over 31billion dollars. Sadly on January 19, 2012, Kodak filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

 

Thanks for your email.

 

The Old Guy

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