Artmink AI Analysis of Antiques and Collectibles: Shared Report

Item Report

Art Deco Cast Iron & Porcelain Penny Arcade Floor Scale

By: Unknown (multiple U.S. arcade scale manufacturers, such as Watling, Mills Novelty, or Toledo)

Style: Art Deco Arcade Collectible

Origin: United States

Materials: Cast iron, porcelain enamel, glass mirror, mosaic tile, metal weight mechanism

Age: circa 1925-1945

Condition: Good (visible wear to porcelain base, minor surface marks, appears intact; mechanical function not tested)

Value: $300–$650 (if in working condition; restored examples or rare models may fetch more at auction)

Peer-Reviewed Market Values

Dating Range: Pending structured dating
Auction Liquidation: Pending structured market values
Fair Market Value: Pending structured market values
Replacement Value: Pending structured market values
Comparables Used: 1 comparable
Research Confidence: Not Run

Maker's Marks / Writing: The dial face reads "ONE CENT"; no clear manufacturer’s mark visible from this angle.

Date: 2025-06-24 09:26:55.553212

Description:

This is an early 20th-century Art Deco penny arcade floor scale, commonly found in drugstores, arcades, and bus terminals from the 1920s to the 1940s. The piece features a cast iron and porcelain base with geometric Art Deco mosaic tile styling, an integrated full-length mirror, and a circular weight dial at the top, marked "ONE CENT"—indicating its operation by coin for public use. The scale is designed to weigh individuals upon the deposit of a penny.

Assessment:

A classic and attractive vintage penny scale with good visual presence. This type was popular in American public spaces during the Art Deco era. Its condition appears original, with typical wear to the porcelain and mechanism expected from age and earlier public use. Collectible both as Americana and mechanical novelty.

Individual Images:

No additional detail images provided
so specific elements such as the coin slot mechanism
serial/model plate
or closer inspection of the dial cannot be confirmed. The present image does show typical wear and some surface age
with minor scuffing visible on the porcelain base.

Provenance:

No provenance documentation provided.

Condition:

Good (visible wear to porcelain base, minor surface marks, appears intact; mechanical function not tested)

Identification Score: 95%

The design, materials, and coin mechanism are characteristic of Art Deco penny scales from the early-to-mid 20th century America. The full-length mirror and tiled step are typical trademarks.

Authenticity Score: 85%

Based on apparent age, original styling, patina, and wear, this appears to be an authentic vintage penny scale, not a reproduction. A word about fakes: There are some reproductions in this field, but obvious modern features or suspiciously pristine condition (such as flawless porcelain or reproduction dials) are absent in this piece.

Image Memory Note

This is an early-to-mid 20th-century American penny arcade scale with cast iron, porcelain and mirror. Arcade type, coin-operated with prominent step pad detail. Typical of public venues including drugstores and arcades.

Keywords

Art Deco, penny arcade scale, vintage floor scale, cast iron, porcelain, American, 1920s, 1930s, collectible, mechanical novelty

The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.

Report ID: : wcsy9v

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