This is a picture of a platform scale (at bottom right of catalog page). A platform scale is an object that people used in warehouses where things were shipped from. Platform scales were used to see how much an object weighed. People who worked in the shipping areas used them. You could buy them from Holman's Catalog.

Platform scales were used in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The catalogue describes them as: "good heavy construction, solidly braced and finished; the top is made of seasoned double hardwood, the pillar is made same as top, all hardwood nicely varnished. The platform is one piece of solid iron, overlapping at all edges to prevent pickle or other injurious matter coming in contact with the oil tempered steel bearings and pivots, heavy cast iron levers, heavy brass beam graduated from 1/4 lb. to 500 lbs., government inspected. Freight paid in Eastern Canada." The price of a platform scale was $35.00

Holman's Spring and Summer Catalog, No. 36, 1925, pg. 82
PARO Acc 4226/1

Description of Catalogue Image here