This is a very nice, metal, postal scale which appears to still be in working order. I bought it for myself; then bought another. This one has all sorts of indicators for newspapers, books, letters, etc. At the bottom it has two patent pending dates. They are: June 2, 1896 and Jan 11, 1899. The scale measures 7 and 1/2 inches tall. On the bottom is engraved "Pelouze Scale & Mfg Company,. Chicago, and then are the patent dates. What a nice item this would be for an antique desk; it could be a conversation piece, and a paperweight!