May 20 is International World Metrology Day – a date that dates back to the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875. Since then, reliable and globally comparable measurement has been the basis for trade, science and technology. This year’s motto is: “Measurements for all times, for all people.” And it could hardly be said better – because whether in the digital age or in the days of steamships and dockers, reliable measurements are the foundation of trust.
As a scale manufacturer, we are taking this day as an opportunity to pay tribute to a special piece of technical history. A place where measuring has been at the service of goods handling and accuracy for seven decades: the ⬈ Shed F in the port of Lübeck – and the ALESCO inclined weight scale installed there in 1955 by our former scale factory Albert ESSMANN & Co in Ottensen. A scale that still works today. And is a symbol of our trade.
Shed F – built for eternity
Shed F was built in the 1940s on the Northern Wall Peninsula in Lübeck. In contrast to the wooden buildings that were common in the past, it was built from solid reinforced concrete – the only one of its kind in the city harbor. Completed in 1949 after the end of the war, it served for decades as a central warehouse for general cargo, which was unloaded from ships via the quay cranes, temporarily stored and later loaded onto trains or trucks.
Thanks to its well thought-out design – with tracks, loading ramps and generous hall space – Shed F was a real workhorse. A place where tons of goods changed hands every day. Today it is a listed building. And it still stands in the middle of this silent contemporary witness: our ALESCO tare weight scales.
The ALESCO tare weight scale – 70 years in service
In 1955, a permanently installed industrial scale was installed in Shed F – the so-called switching weight scale from our historic company Albert Essmann & Co. Waagenfabrik ALESCO from Hamburg-Altona. This scale was – and is – a mechanical masterpiece: designed for up to 2,000 kg, with a minimum weight of 50 kg, it displays the weight directly via a finely tuned lever and pointer system. The special feature: Above certain loads, the scale internally switches on additional weights without the need for manual intervention – an efficient and safe system that enabled fast weighing.
Whether barrels of salt, crates of machine parts or entire engines: Everything that was heavy, valuable or subject to duty was placed on these scales. And – as its name promised – it delivered reliable values. The last official seal of approval dates back to 1991, but the scales are still working today.
Why this scale fits the motto perfectly
“Measurements for all times, for all people.” These words apply perfectly to this historic specimen. After all, it was at the service of port workers, freight forwarders, customs officials and, ultimately, citizens – people who depended on accuracy. An incorrectly weighed delivery could cause entire supply chains to falter, lead to disputes or even pose security risks.
At the same time, it shows that good measurement technology stands the test of time. Mechanical, robust and manufactured with attention to detail, this scale is a prime example of post-war engineering. Its long service life speaks volumes – and fills us as scale manufacturers with respect and pride. It reminds us that our craft not only “weighs”, but also creates trust. Between buyer and seller. Between technology and people.
A small monument to measuring
The new operators of the shed have announced that at least the upper part of the scales will be preserved as a visible memento in a future common room. It would be possible to fully restore the scales so that they could be calibrated, but this would be very expensive.
But even as a decorative relic, this ALESCO scale remains a statement: for durability, for technical excellence – and for the people who created such works with their knowledge and skill.
Responsibility for precision
On Measurement Day, we don’t just remember physical units. We remember what precision means: responsibility, care, reliability. The ALESCO scales in Shed F show us how durable good craftsmanship is – and that measuring is more than just a number. It is an attitude. A connection between times. For all people.
We would like to thank Sophie Kurth from Knabe + Horn construction management office for pointing out this scale, and we are always happy to receive information about finds from our scale history!
