{"product_id":"antique-french-balance-scale-cast-iron-and-brass-roberval-force-5-kg","title":"Antique French Balance Scale | Cast Iron and Brass | Roberval Force 5 Kg","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis antique French Roberval balance scale lived at least two lives. The first was the one it was built for: weighing produce, flour, cheese, and everyday goods across a shop counter somewhere in France. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second came later. A surviving inspection label for Laboratoire Lefebvre and MATLAB, located on Rue du Havre, remains fixed to the side of the base... suggesting the scale was later serviced, calibrated, or repurposed for institutional or educational use. It is exactly the sort of detail I love finding because it tells you the story did not stop when the scale left the marketplace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scale itself is a classic balance Roberval (Roberval balance), the weighing system that became a fixture of French commerce throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The cast iron base carries the FORCE 5 KG marking, indicating its five-kilogram capacity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaux-bois (imitation wood grain) paint softens the iron body, while broad brass pans sit above the beam on the characteristic Roberval mechanism hidden beneath. The pointer remains in place, and the brass has developed the warm glow that comes only from decades of handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat appeals to me most is the evidence of continued use. Many old scales were discarded when newer systems arrived. This one was kept, inspected, and apparently important enough to remain in service. Today it brings that same sense of purpose to a kitchen, library, or study. The brass pans catch the eye first but that super unique little inspection label is what makes this one special. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Provence Collection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53503715836247,"sku":"DEC-084","price":595.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0938\/4686\/4215\/files\/antique-french-balance-scale-cast-iron-and-brass-roberval-force-5-kg-2.jpg?v=1778485459","url":"https:\/\/theprovencecollection.com\/products\/antique-french-balance-scale-cast-iron-and-brass-roberval-force-5-kg","provider":"The Provence Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}