2016.0031.001-.007 Measure (7), view 1
  • 2016.0031.001-.007 Measure (7), view 1
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Measure (Liquid measure)

  • Category:

    Metals

  • Place of Origin:

    New York, United States, North America

  • Date:

    1784-1813

  • Materials:

    Pewter

  • Techniques:

    Cast

  • Museum Object Number:

    2016.0031.005


  • Complete Details



Object Number

2016.0031.005

Object Name

Measure (Liquid measure)

Category

Metals

Credit Line/Donor

Museum purchase with funds drawn from the Centenary Fund and partial gift of David M. Kilroy and Melodee Wagen in memory of John Carl Thomas

Place of Origin

New York, United States, North America

Origin Notes

Possibly Albany or New York City.

Date

1784-1813

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Mark; Body, upper edge, right of handle; "A" stamped in a conforming surround
2. Inscription; Lid, exterior surface; "NC" engraved

Materials

Pewter

Techniques

Cast

Dimensions (inches)

6 (H) , 4 (W)

Dimensions (centimeters)

15.24 (H) , 10.16 (W)

Measurement Notes

The overall height to the body's upper edge: 4.125 inches.

Object Description

Web - 05/31/2016

This lidded vessel originally conformed to a precise capacity standard of liquid measurement for beer, cider, wine, milk and even medicinal beverages, depending upon its size. Commonly called a “measure” for its function, these might be made in pewter from a tiny 1.5 ounce size to a gallon or larger. Measures were vital tools for honest commercial exchange and pricing, although standards varied between countries, states, and even nearby regions until the early 1800s. This half-pint measure bears an “A” mark along the body’s upper edge indicating it was authorized for use by a sealer, an official keeper of standards, and matched the “assize” for its specific quantity.

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Article] Kilroy, David. 2014 "An Update on NewYork 'A' Measures". Pewter Collectors Club of America Bulletin. 15 (2 (Winter 2014))
Related mark p. 5.
[Book] Fennimore, Donald L. 1996 Henry Will Account Book.
For reference
[Book] Wolf, Melvyn. 2006 An American Pewter Collection: The Collection of Dr. Melvyn & Bette Wolf.
For reference