|
Date: |
|
Description: | An incomplete cast pewter measure of Post-Medieval date, probably seventeenth century (AD 1600 - AD 1700). Overall length: 97.2mm; maximum diameter: 60.1mm. Weight: 196.56g. The capacity of the measure is c. 100ml when completely full.The hinged lid and its associated thumb-piece are missing and the rim and base are misshapen. The body of the measure (or tankard) is baluster-shaped and has a length of 79.8mm and a maximum diameter at the girth of 60.1mm. From its maximum diameter, about mid-way along its length, the sides slope inwards evenly towards the rim. The rim, prior to being misshapen, was probably circular in plan and had vertical sides with a depth of about 9.5mm. The lower part of the body narrows slightly before it splays outwards to the base which is formed by a foot-ring and has a depth of about 7.0mm. The separate gently curving pewter handle has been soldered onto the body. From its attachment at the side of the rim, it tapers evenly in width throughout its length to a point about 11.5mm above the base. Just above this position the handle is soldered to a sub-circular spacer with a maximum diameter of 10.0mm, causing the lower part of the handle to be proud of the body. The handle is D-shaped in cross-section throughout its length, flat on its outer face and convex on the inner face. Near the top of the handle there is transverse step where the handle thickens to form a platform for the hinge mechanism. The mechanism consists of two stout parallel perforated lugs which are integral with the handle and are D-shaped when viewed from the side. A pewter axis bar on which the missing lid was secured survives, and this has a length of 15.8mm and is circular in cross-section with a diameter of 5.2mm. Each end of the axis bar is burred over. An indistinct maker's touchmark, situated on the rim close to the handle, is formed by W? over ?I (possibly): W?/?I. A shiny dark brownish/black surface forms a patina. Where a patina has not survived the surface is a matt light to mid-grey colour. Thumb-pieces which were attached to the lid of these measures are diagnostic and can be a guide for dating. Unfortunately, the thumb-piece of this example is missing. However, the spacer between the body and the handle is very similar to those on two vessels illustrated in The Museum of London publication: Hornsby, R G et al. 1989. 'Pewter: A Celebration of the Craft 1200-1700'. 88-89, refs. 102 and 104. These measures are dated c. 1675 and c. 1685 respectively.In the same publication (p. 87) it is noted that "The term 'baluster' is derived from the form of these measures. Pewter measures were used from the 15th century in taverns and within the home. The first, very rare, examples were squat and rounded but by the 16th century tall elongated examples appeared; the style probably derived from pottery vessels and leather blackjacks which were used for much the same purposes. By the 17th century balusters had once more become slightly squatter and this style remained in general use well into the 18th century. The main differences between balusters after 1600 is found in the type of thumb-piece employed. The main forms have been called the 'hammerhead', 'ball', and 'bud' and in the 18th century the 'double volute' and 'spray'. Baluster measures were made from low quality pewter and contained more lead than was normal. Most have capacity check marks stamped on the neck or lid.Balusters were used in taverns as measures for wines and spirits. Some may have been drunk from, although the fact that balusters of a gallon downwards were common suggests that some were used for the sale of wine or ale, which was then poured into a cup or mug of pewter, leather, wood or pottery. Until 1826 two national systems of capacity were in use in England: the wine pint being smaller than the ale pint".
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
|
More Like this...
-
Tankard
A complete Post Medieval pewter…
-
TANKARD
A complete Post Medieval pewter…
-
FLAGON
Fragment of a cast pewter…
-
Ewer
Medieval/Post-Medieval copper alloy thumb-piece from…
-
EWER
Medieval/Post-Medieval copper alloy thumb-piece from…
-
VESSEL
A post medieval lead alloy…
-
-
VESSEL
A copper-alloy vessel lid, it…
-
VESSEL
A copper-alloy vessel lid, it…
-
VESSEL
A copper-alloy vessel lid, it…
|