Long before digital scales became the norm, a small spring balance was standard kit for plenty of anglers. Little Samson scales are one of those bits of tackle that will look familiar to many people who fished through the second half of the twentieth century.
What were Little Samson scales?
Little Samson was a compact British-made pocket spring balance. The idea was simple: hang the fish from the lower hook, hold the scale from the top, and read the weight from the graduated face. There were different capacities, including lighter versions for coarse fishing and larger 14 lb models.
Their appeal was obvious. They were small enough to live in a tackle box or coat pocket, needed no batteries and could be used on the bank in seconds. For years, that was all many anglers needed.
When were they used?
Surviving Little Samson examples turn up from at least the 1960s and 1970s, and they remained a familiar style of fishing scale well into the era before digital weighing became commonplace. Exact dates can vary between versions, so the box, maker’s details, scale markings and capacity can all help when trying to date an individual example.
Why are they collectable now?
Part of the interest is nostalgia, but condition makes a big difference. A clean scale with clear markings is more desirable than a heavily worn one, and original boxes, instructions or unused old stock can add considerably to the collector appeal.
Things worth looking for include original packaging, a clean face and pointer, clear maker’s marks, unusual capacities and signs that the scale has had very little use.
Can vintage Little Samson scales still be used?
Many old spring balances will still operate mechanically, and some anglers enjoy using period tackle for the experience of it. For accurate record weights, though, a modern calibrated scale is the safer choice. Older Little Samson scales are increasingly interesting as pieces of angling history rather than simply as tools.
A small piece of British angling history
Old scales are easy to overlook next to vintage rods and reels, but they tell just as much of the story of how fishing tackle changed. Before electronic bite alarms, digital scales and modern tackle systems became standard, simple mechanical equipment like this did the job for generations of anglers.
We regularly come across old fishing scales, boxed tackle, original packaging and other unusual items. You can see what is currently available in our Vintage Fishing Collectables collection.