The American Weigh exhibit showcases the Christopher Steele collection of coin-operated weighing machines, chronicling more than 100 years of American ingenuity and industrial design. It will be on display from Feb. 2 through March 6 at the Ohio State University's Urban Arts Space, 50 W. Town St., Downtown Columbus.

This premiere comprehensive exhibition presents nearly 50 scales, ranging from cast iron work-horses of the 1890s to colorful art deco pieces, and from 1950s novelty scales to rare contemporary digital models. All of the scales are in fine condition.

Steele, an Upper Arlington resident, has spent 37 years traveling coast to coast in search of American penny scales for his collection. As he explains, it was an "endeavor that has profoundly changed my life. It is my ultimate goal to see this national treasure preserved for future generations to enjoy and study."

In the late 1880s, the first American penny scales made their way into popular culture offering the public a chance to monitor weight and health without visiting a doctor. A 1937 United States Department of Commerce report stated: "Penny scales were the principle means of over 130,000,000 people keeping in touch with their weight and health."

For 50 years, penny scales were the most popular machines for checking weight. In their glory days (1930s and 40s), these mechanical devices brought in more than $100 million annually; in today's dollars, that's equivalent to $1.5 billion. Once a corner landmark, the penny scale has all but disappeared.

The entire Christopher Steele collection consists of nearly 200 scales.The colorful designs, playfulness, beautiful materials, intricate mechanisms, fine craftsmanship and clever gimmicks stand testimony to the remarkable accomplishments of America's first vending service.

A free public reception with light refreshments will be hosted from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the space. The exhibition and reception are free and open to all. The exhibition will also be open for the Arnold Sports Festival 2010 with special hours, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 7.

For more information, call 614-292-8861 or visit www.uas.osu.edu.