Metal balance scale with two measuring trays used in a store

Identifier
irn4111
Language of Description
English
Alt. Identifiers
  • 1990.81.1
Level of Description
Item
Source
EHRI Partner

Extent and Medium

overall: Height: 12.000 inches (30.48 cm) | Width: 20.500 inches (52.07 cm) | Depth: 8.500 inches (21.59 cm)

Archival History

The scale was acquired by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 1990.

Acquisition

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection

Scope and Content

Metal measuring scale with two trays, of the type used in the Łódź Ghetto in German-occupied Poland from May 1940 to August 1944. Łódź was occupied by Germany a week after the September 1, 1939, invasion of Poland. The city was renamed Litzmannstadt, and in February 1940, approximately 160,000 people from the Jewish population were confined to a small, closed ghetto. All residents had to work, and many became forced laborers in ghetto factories. Eventually, nearly 100 factories were in operation. The major ones produced textiles, including uniforms for the Germany Army. Due to the severe overcrowding and scarcity of food, disease and starvation were common. The Judenrat (Jewish Council) were forced to administer the ghetto for the Germans. Judenrat chairman, Mordechai Rumkowski, thought hard work and increased manufacturing output would preserve the ghetto, but in January 1942, mass deportations to Chelmno killing center began. By the end of the year, half of the residents were murdered. In summer 1944, Łódź, the last ghetto in Poland, was destroyed, and the remaining Jews were sent to Chelmno and Auschwitz-Birkenau killing centers.

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions on access

Conditions Governing Reproduction

No restrictions on use

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Metal balance scale with two circular weighing pans. The frame has four, small metal feet with three decorative horizontal bars, with remnants of yellow paint, spanning between them on the front and back. The lower bar is straight with geometric shapes spaced across it, the middle bar curves downwards around a circular piece in the center, and the top bar is thin and straight. Spanning the upper bars is a metal piece with rounded ends that connects to a horizontal, pivoting framework with brackets on each end for holding the circular pans in place. From the center of the piece, extending upward, is a thin, pointed needle with measuring lines etched on the surface. Attached to the back of the frame, bent at a 90 degree angle, and then extending upward so it rests directly behind the center needle, is a second flat, pointed needle with a circular opening towards the top. The metal weighing pans are a silver-colored metal with a flat bottom and rimmed top. The left pan is approximately 1.500 inches deep, and the right pan is approximately 2.250 inches deep and has a pointed spout on the side. The surface of the scale is severely rusted, and there is significant paint loss.

Corporate Bodies

Subjects

Genre

This description is derived directly from structured data provided to EHRI by a partner institution. This collection holding institution considers this description as an accurate reflection of the archival holdings to which it refers at the moment of data transfer.