**Originally Listed At $300**

Northwestern Europe, England, ca. 19th century CE. A fabulous collection of pewter gill and half pint pitchers for measuring ale in pubs and home use, several include stamps for the standard measurement on the half pint has inspection marks. The largest is marked as a half pint with several additional hallmarks on the side, a crown above "VR 280" the verification mark under Queen Victoria and the number indicates Sussex County. The side is also custom etched with a calligraphic "J" and the base contains a "B," perhaps to mark the pub this cup belonged to. The others are in gill sizes and do not contain inspection or additional maker marks and are perhaps for home use only since they do not adhere to the 1836 capacity law. The larger is labeled on the rim "GILL," the next is probably a half gill and unmarked, and the last is marked "QUARTER GILL." Size (largest vessel): 3.75" W x 3.75" H (9.5 cm x 9.5 cm); (smallest vessel): 2.125" W x 2.25" H (5.4 cm x 5.7 cm)

The gill (pronounced like Jill) is a unit of liquid volume measurement that was commonly used across Great Britain for alcohol, and by 1836 the Weights and Measures act made it a requirement that all pub vessels were stamped with the official capacity weight and inspection stamps to legally serve customers.

Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010

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#169540

Indentations and surface abrasions as expected with age and use. Nicks and chips to rims. Rubbing to markings and stamps, but most are legible. Patina and toning throughout. Not recommended for use due to pewter's lead content.