Two Loftus Brass Rim Pewter Bulbous Tavern Measures c1880

Description

Heading : A half pint and gill pewter tavern measures
Date : c1880
Period : Victorian
Origin : London. England
Bowl : Pewter and brass rim engraved ‘W R Loftus’ ‘V R 349 L.C.C 
Size : 10cm tall with 11.5cm bowl and 5cm foot  – tallest
Condition : Good patina few scuffs
Restoration : None
Weight :439 grams

In 1826 the Imperial Standard was introduced to supersede a number of other standards that had been in use until then. A verification mark signifies that the item has been inspected by an official Weights & Measures Inspector and found to be of the correct capacity.

From roughly 1879 onwards a uniform style was adopted consisting of a crown. the monarch’s initials (VR. ER or GR) and a number which signifies the location. in this case LCC being London County. Capacity marks became a legal requirement in 1836. The presence of such a mark does not mean the item is post-1836 as vessels made before then which remained in use after 1836 were often marked retrospectively. The word Imperial on a measure shows it was made to the new standard and is therefore post-1826.

For more information on verification marks. see: Marks and Markings of Weights and Measures of the British Isles by Carl Ricketts and John Douglas 1996