Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
An iconic piece of mid-to-late 20th-century scientific equipment, this Ohaus triple beam balance is the quintessential laboratory workhorse. Featuring a classic beige-painted metal base, a stainless steel weighing pan, and three tiered graduated beams with sliding poise weights, it represents the gold standard of analog precision measurement.
Story
Introduced in 1912, the Ohaus triple beam balance revolutionized classroom and laboratory science across America. This specific model, bearing US Patent No. 2,729,439, became a ubiquitous symbol of hands-on discovery for generations of students.
Maker / Origin
Founded in Newark, New Jersey in 1907 by Karl and Gustav Ohaus, the Ohaus Scale Corporation grew from a small scale repair business into a global leader in precision weighing. They earned their legendary reputation by introducing durable, highly accurate, and affordable balances designed specifically for educational and industrial laboratories.
Condition & Value
The scale shows minor cosmetic wear, light oxidation on the stainless steel pan, and typical aging/yellowing of the beige plastic housing components. All three poise weights are present, and the zero-adjust knob appears intact, suggesting it is in good, functional vintage condition.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.