Mordan Postal Scales

Postal scales were introduced in the mid-19th Century after the founder of the postage stamp Rowland Hill's campainging led to the Uniform Postal Act of 1840. This implemented payment for UK postage by weight rather than number of pages. The resulting demand for weighing machines from the Victorian gentry and industrialists opened the door for many craftsmen to manufacture postal scales and balances. After this, most well-heeled homes had their own set on the master's desk. The prime maker of the day was Sampson Mordan & Co, London.

Typically Mordan scales are made from very thick gauge brass, using a Roberval system, with the maker’s mark “S. MORDAN & CO.” on the top left bar and “London” is on the top right. Often they have the British postal rates marked on the right hand plate, and the frame is commonly secured to a solid oak base supported on four bun feet, but the bases were also made with much more expensive materials such as inlaid with ceramic plaques. Classic design made by many firms from 1840 to around 1940. Many variations in decorative style including, the exotic wood coromandel, filigree brass bases, china bases, Wedgwood plaques set into the plates, enameled patterns, inlaid stone flowers, etc, etc. However the plain style shown is much the most common.

Weights were commonly flat, round, stacking. Weights over 2 oz were often lead cased in brass. "Bottle" weights or square knobbed weights were also used. The weights manufactured by Mordan are characterised by having the "OZ" stamp above the numeral.

Inland parcel post was first introduced in Britain in August 1883 having a maximum weight limit of 7lbs and this was extended to 11lbs in May 1886.