?? about platform scales

[MOgal]

I have a countertop model Fairbanks Morse platform scales that is great for weighing harvested produce, baby animals, etc. but it doesn't move freely. I have oiled the calibrated bar where the weights slide and that has helped some. I need another pair of hands to hold it up so I can oil the joints under the platform. There is a long "throat" for lack of better word, where the connection goes from the platform to the balance beam/calibrated bar and I can't get into it.

This scales came from a lumberyard/hardware store auction and was last inspected by Missouri's Department of Weights and Measures in '93. I've done a google search for information about these scales with no luck. Is there anybody who can offer suggestions on getting it to work more smoothly. (getting the dirt dauber nest out of the base helped) If you have any ideas about a value for it, even though I don't want to sell it, that would be great too.

I can take pictures if that would help but I'm not sure how to post them.

Thanks.