"Is that a balance in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?"

Pocket balances were intended primarily for fishermen.  I have three.  Lovely things, all made in Germany:

One was made by Hoppe, a large German toolmaker featured in a previous post:

I don't recognize the logo on this one.  A snake?

Finally, an English-made one of a different style:

In the U.S., one company marketed their version as the "Fisherman's De-Liar"!  (With its capacity of 12 pounds, it handily beats out the puny 8-pound British one above.  American fish are bigger!)

J.H. Ashdown Company, Ltd.  Winnipeg, Manitoba.  1953 Catalogue