A very beautiful portable brass letter scale made by Charles Nias, Brussels, before 1895.
Indeed, in 1845, Charles NIAS began trading in stationery and school supplies in the center of Brussels (Rue Coppens and then Rue Royale in 1856). Very quickly, he realized that the holiday period was when demand was highest; indeed, the clientele, mainly composed of institutions, boarding schools, and convents, placed their orders during this period to be delivered at the start of the school year. The brand was then called "Charles Nias & Fils." From 1896 to 1926, the brand changed its name several times, and several members of the NIAS family succeeded each other at its helm. Thus, the stationery store would be called "Nias Frères" - "Papeterie Elie Nias" and from 1926 "Les Papeteries Nias" (source: https://www.les-papeteries.be/info/notre-histoire). We can therefore accurately state that this letter scale made by Ch. Nias dates from 1895 or before, as the company changed its name in 1896.
This beautiful object is used to weigh letters from 0 to 50 grams thanks to its small attachment designed to clip the letter (see photo).
It is in excellent condition and will look great in a collection or a cabinet of curiosities.
Dimensions: height 5 cm, 8 cm with the attachment, letter clip 3 cm, weight 9 g.
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