Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this piece to the Regency era.
2' '1288'. There are various annual assay stamps around the upper edge, including (importantly) one which was stamped during the very short reign of William IV and serves to prove the age stamped on the side. It has two solid bronze integral handles, making it easier to carry (20.5 kgs) and virtually indestructable.
Bronze measures such as this were used by County Weights and Measures officials during inspections to Marketplaces throughout the British Isles to verify accurate apportionment of grain and other market traded goods by Market Traders. To short measure was deemed one of the ultimate antisocial behaviours and punishable by hefty fines and imprisonment, in extreme circumstances even banishment to the Colonies.
Today, as well as being a very collectable item and talking point, measures are often being used decoratively either for dried flower arrangements, or as giant ice buckets for parties. There, now you know you NEED one!
Dated: 1836 Weight: 20.5 kgs
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this piece to the Regency era.
Fine antiques at sensible prices
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Quiet Street Antiques of Bath Profile Page
An Impressive Bronze Imperial Half Bushel Measure, County of Wilts, Dated 1836
