Metals
New York, United States, North America
1784-1813
Pewter
Cast
2016.0031.005
Object Number2016.0031.005 |
Measure (Liquid measure)
Metals
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
New York, United States, North America
Possibly Albany or New York City.
1784-1813
1. Mark; Body, upper edge, right of handle; "A" stamped in a conforming surround
2. Inscription; Lid, exterior surface; "NC" engraved
Pewter
Cast
6 (H) , 4 (W)
15.24 (H) , 10.16 (W)
The overall height to the body's upper edge: 4.125 inches.
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.
[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