Every week I seem to be getting a new message from a reader — someone who has just made an offer on, or bought a 1950s 0f 1960s house — all excited that there is one of these in the bathroom: A Hall-Mack Concealed Scale. I’ve spotted these fold down bathroom scales and written about them several times, but to help these readers, I thought I’d do this stand-alone story so they can get right to it.
The above image was taken from a 1962 Hall-Mack bathroom accessories catalog in my private collection. As you can see, the metal box to hold the scale is recessed into the wall between the studs. It needs to be installed at exactly the correct point on the wall, so that the rubber-covered handle rests on the floor. I tend to believe that this unit came with a bathroom scale — but I am absolutely sure about this.
Above: I spotted this fold downscale at a 1964 time capsule house nearby. It’s combined in a nook that includes a laundry chute — very thoughtful design.
Above: Cindy has a fold down bathroom scale in her 1960s bathroom, too. I think that when I went to visit Cindy, this was the very first time I ever saw one. Ooooooooh, Ahhhhhhhhhh. Love.
The fold-down bathroom scale is not the only highly desirable vintage Hall-Mack or Nutone bathroom accessory. These “Concealed Lavatories” (above) — revolving toothbrush holders — are now going for more than $200 on ebay for New Old Stock. Golly — I have one in my attic somewhere that I paid $5 for, 10 years ago. I better go find it!
And I tend to believe that, most rare of all is the Hall-Mack Relaxation Unit: You get your toilet paper, your magazines and — hey — even your cigs right there where you need ’em:
“Luxurious and practical and designed with a man in mind…”
I think that Hall-Mack was ultimately purchased by Nu-Tone, so these vintage chrome bathroom accessories may be in later Nu-Tone catalogs, as well. I will have to put this on my list to research. Why did these fantastic ideas not perpetuate? The only real reason I can guess is: Simplification and cost-cutting, probably during some severe recession. Alas, it happens.
Plastic bathroom tile: 20 pages of images from 3 catalogs 
A complete 1925 catalog of recessed soap dishes, towel bars and medicine cabinets 
24 pages of vintage bathroom design ideas from Crane — 1949 catalog 
Vintage Naugahyde – 35 patterns 
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Lettie says
We purchased our 1962 “Gold Medallion” home a few months ago. It is truly a time capsule home, and we love everything about it. The pink bathroom has all of the items featured here, in amazing condition!
pam kueber says
Wow, that is a gorgeous house!!!
Sam R says
My funky 1954 ranch has the rotating cup/toothbrush holder in the mostly original blue and pink hall bath. I would not be surprised if there was one in the master bath, but was lost when a much larger mirror installed when that bathroom was renovated sometime in the past. At least they left the original vanity!
I picked up a white painted NuTone fold-down scale for $5 at the local Habitat Restore after it sat around for well over a month. It’s in pretty grotty condition, so I’ll refinish it in Venetian Pink to match the sink and tub before it’s installed. At the same Restore I bought a pile of apparently NOS Hall-Mack towel bar brackets, but the bars and mounting plates were nowhere to be found! Unfortunately, one of the missing bars had the famous telescopic towel bar insert, as one bracket has the hole for it.
Lois says
I am looking for 3 revolving door tooth brush holders and 3 hidden toilet paper holders. Any ideas where to find?
Ruby Julian says
We have a Hall Mack concealed lavatory in our 1952 pink and blue bathroom. The concealed lavatory is in near-min condition — even has the original Lucite soap tray — but we can’t find a glass tumbler or modern toothbrushes to fit it. Anyone have any suggestions of brands to try?
pam kueber says
Type toothbrush retro into our search box and our story comes right up: https://retrorenovation.com/2009/08/26/toothbrushes-to-fit-in-vintage-porcelain-ceramic-toothbrush-holders/
we’ve never done research on tumblers
Charlie kranz says
Where can I get 2 hall Mack scale door springs
pam kueber says
I don’t know the answer to this one, Charlie…
Sam R says
Take one of the existing springs to your local hardware store (like Fastenal, ACE, or True Value, not a “home improvement” store like Home Depot or Lowe’s) – they should be able to help you match it to something close in both size and spring rate. If they don’t, try one of the big online retailers of hardware and other things, like McMaster Carr or Grainger.
Lisa P. says
We are at the Country Inn in Montrose Colorado. The Inn built in the 1950’s has a scale exactly as pictured and still in perfect working order.
David Novitsky says
I just renovated a 1950’s bathroom and the owner does not want the Nutone fold down scale I removed. It is in excellent condition, and accurate to the pound. What is the approximate value of this item as I cannot seem to find any for sale as a reference point. Thanks for any input on this matter.
pam kueber says
We do not do valuations. You can check ebay “Sold Items” for comps.
Betsy says
I have been cleaning the house of a clutterbug uncle who is laid up with a broken hip. Imagine my surprise and joy when I moved a pile of boxes on the bathroom vanity and found the concealed revolving toothbrush holder! I spent a good half hour turning it back and forth; I was enthralled!
Mary says
I have several 1950s items from a recent bathroom remodel. The original bathroom included chrome shower soap holder, revolving toothbrush holders, concealed fold down bathroom scale and toilet paper holder. What is the best method to resell these items?
Pam Kueber says
ebay is likely your best bet
Katie says
Hi,
Just bought a 1951 house and it has all three of these in the bathroom. The scale and relaxation unit are in good shape but just curious if you have heard of how people have tried to clean up the revolving toothbrush holder. It’s a little rusty and deteriorating and I am just trying to decide the best way to salvage it. I tried baking soda and vinegar and that helped a little, just not enough. But just hesitant about what to try as I don’t want to make it worse. Thanks! Your article was extremely helpful to me!
Pam Kueber says
Hi Katie, I suggest that you try existing manufacturers of such products to see what they recommend.