"Perfect!" Gerald announced after sipping from a small spoonful of the strange concoction he had been working on.
Benjamin likewise ignored his coworker's bold proclamation, not even turning to look. The two men had joined the Burlington Creamery Company on the same day back in 1921. Benjamin was an expert at determining which cream would be best for their ice cream products and Gerald was a wonder at flavorings.
"Your perfect cream should pair nicely with my new flavor. Cinnamon, Cardamon, Chocolate." Gerald said as he looked over his glasses to Benjamin who was seated across the lab table.
"You mean your Cinnamon, Cardamon, Chocolate flavor will complement MY perfect cream, don't you? Ben retorted. Their daily feuds were all in good fun as they did enjoy getting each others goat.
Unfortunately for the lab boys at the Burlington, Vermont Creamery, 1933 was in the midst of the Great Depression and the boss had ordered them to stick to the basics of Vanilla and Chocolate ice cream. So they scribbled their recipes and test results into a notebook for some day down the road when people would appreciate more exotic flavors and high quality ice cream. That day never came and they both eventually retired from the creamery. The notebook sat in a box in Gerald's attic until, many years after his death when it was rediscovered by his grandson Jerry, who was named after his great grandfather.
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As best we can determine, this Torsion Balance Company Butterfat Scale was used to test the the fat content of cream. The Torsion Balance Co is probably better known for its various instruments for designed for druggists but they also made other precision scales for the dairy industry. We believe it to be from the mid-1920s to mid-1930s and it is made of cast iron covered with gleaming white porcelain. The scale features two removable beaker holders, with a capacity to hold two beakers on each side. It is approx. 10" wide, 10" high and about 5.5" deep and weighs over 11 lbs. There is a metal plate on the front that says, "The Torsion Balance Co.; New York; Style 1535; No. C36682; capacity 240 Grams; Made in the U.S.A. This is as a beautiful example of early to mid century American industrial design with subtle art deco styling and super heavy duty construction.
CONDITION:
This instrument is in very good condition. The white porcelain is still shiny and virtually crack and chip free although there is one small 1/8" chip along the base. The scale needle appears to move freely and can be locked for transport with the knob located in bottom front. There is no rust to be found and overall, this scale looks like it has been well cared for over the years.
This interesting scale would make a great gift for someone who collects dairy-related items, scientific instruments or anyone who appreciates American industrial design of the early 20th century.
This is a heavy item and it will be shipped in a large USPS Priority Mail flat-rate box for U.S.A. shipping. Convo us if you would like an International shipping quote.
Have any questions?
Contact the shop owner.
