Restoring a unique piece of Made in the USA, Rockola Penny Scale

We had the opportunity to complete a reconditioning project of another unique piece that was made in the USA back in the early 1930's. More important this reconditioning was completed for a new friend, Patt, an Antique Shop owner up in Birch Run, Michigan, Patt's store is 'The Collectors Corner',  Patt specializes in Black Americana Historic items and a huge collection of Cookie Jars... Patt picked up a very nice Rockola  Penny Scale and we happened to stop in to show Patt a couple coffee mills. Patt wanted to ensure the Penny Scale was cleaned up and in good working order for her Customers, so out the door it went with us to start the project work. Patt also takes pride in American pieces and "Made in the USA"...

The original scale was very clean and looked to be used or stored inside. protecting it from the elements. But, the scale had the two back panels missing and  'coin drop' deactivated. Patt wanted the back panels replaced and the coin drop in working order. She also wanted to ensure the scale was put back in excellent condition.

The fabrication of the back panels included creating panels that duplicated the originals, but needed to be secured to the body without compromising the scale, just in case a collector may want to restore the scale back to the exact original condition. The Panels were fabricated from 10 gauge sheet metal and a 1/4" rope bead steel rod, mig welded. The challenge with the fabrication was to match the sweep of the main panel with a two plane slight sweep to match the design lines of the cast iron body. With the panels completed and fitting like a glove, we moved on to the paint prep. To match the original white porcelain, we went with White Epoxy paint. The epoxy paint provides and strong durable finish. And it come close to matching the porcelain finish.

Next we moved on to the internal mechanisms and coin drop activation. This is the part of the project that inspired me most... As I sat on a stool and looked into the back panel opening, I was amazed with the inner workings of the Scale. The Scale internals were a master piece and mechanical marvel. A design that stood the test of time. The Scale was built back in the 1930's and still was in great condition, the assembly and parts were pure quality. The rods, linkages and levers were precise, clean and mechanically sound. The design worked, day in a day out and for 80+ years.. With a few minor adjustments, the scale worked like a champ. I thought to myself, this piece is so well done, I bet myself the scale could be tuned in and work with not only pennies, but with nickels, dimes and quarters.. About two hours later, it worked perfectly..

To finish up the project, we "sweetened" the scale by buffing, waxing, cleaning, touch ups, checking all mechanism top to bottom. Vicki hit the detail on the graphics in the top viewing paneling by hand painting the silver highlights on the etched glass ( the original paint was loosened up and needed to be restored)...

We worked to research the details on the Scale's history and Rockola Mfg. to put together the documentation and provide the new owner with the details on the reconditioning project, required maintenance and history. Putting together the details for the document is always a challenge, but the part I really enjoy pulling together, it gives me a chance to rediscover American history. Also, we find great people along the way, in this case we found a couple that collector and the experts on the scales, I thank them for the help... if you have interest in scales, I highly recommend their web-site: http://www.pennyscale.com/.

If you are taking on a similar project for the Rockola Penny Scale Email me at usacraftsman.com.. I can share some experiences with you... Also set up many jpeg pics on the scale detail..

As always; Larry Itoney, Vicki and I ensure excellence in our project work in restoring American history and Made in the USA. Friday we will take this piece back to Patt and do our traditional unveiling, the best part of  our work is seeing the owner eyes then they see their piece back like new..

Making something old new again, thanks for your time....
Chuck Kowalski

usacraftsman.com