Assembled Set of English Pewter Measures

Victorian

Circa 19th century | England

An antique English assembled set of five Victorian pewter measures (see The Gen). These were used in pubs and inns throughout England during the nineteenth to the early twentieth century to measure beer, ale, cider and spirits. The pewter has a lovely colour and patina. Measures graduate in size and each is labelled accordingly, ‘1/2 PINT’, ‘1 GILL’, ‘1/2 GILL’, ‘1/3 GILL’, and ‘1/4 GILL’.

DIMENSIONS: Largest Height 9.5 cm, Diameter base 7.3 cm, Smallest Height 5 cm, Diameter base 4.2 cm.

SIGNATURES, MARKINGS & INSCRIPTIONS: Some are marked to the rim with an SD in a shield.

CONDITION: In very good condition, wear consistent with an antique age and use. The measures have some minor scratches, marks and dents.

REFERENCES: For a similar set of measures see Object No. A7449 at the Powerhouse Museum.

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THE GEN

“On early English pots this was sometimes of “hR” crowned, indicating that the capacity conformed to a standard set by Henry VII; in later years a crowned “WR” confirmed the measure to conform to the William HI standard. A crowned “AR” (for indicating the Queen Anne changes) is sometimes found, but far less frequently. It was not until 1879 that a uniform type of capacity “seal” was used by Weights and Measures authorities throughout the country—this is the simple crown beneath which will be found the letters “VR” (or “ER” or “GR”) and a numeral, or set of numerals, indicating, first the reign, and secondly the town or district. The latter type of mark is found on most of the tavern pots available today.” (The Pewter Collector: A Guide to British Pewter, with Some Reference to Foreign Work, H.J.J. Masse, Barrie and Jenkins, 1971, p. 75)

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