An unusual base metal container with a fitted, sprung scale in order to weigh letters to assess the cost for postage.
It is stamped on the engine turned holder 'John Sheldon' and has a diamond shaped mark (lozenge) with the copyright date letter for the year 1845 which protected the design for three years.
Once the case is opened there's a little metal tab on the scale section which you pull down and then you can flick out the gripper for the letter.
This version has an unusual scale from 7 1/2 g to 60g. The earlier ones tend to have the cost 1d , 2d etc. which corresponds to that weight.
Closed 7cm long.
In excellent condition.
Stock no. LP21