Expert: Martin G Roberts - 10/9/2008

Question
I have been given a pewter quart tankard with the makers name , G Farmiloe and sons of London etched to the right of the handle ,to the left are the marks V R 21  LOC ,it is also specified as QUART. The tankard itself is engraved with a persons name and the Public House  Brewery Tap, Tooting.I am considering selling the item but receive wide ranging offers,are you able to help with an estimate of such an item .There is damage to the base where it appears to have been knocked and thumbnail size chips are evident.Thanks and keep up the great work, your answers could easily be published  for there wit and irony.

Answer
-

Shaun,

Thanks for the supportive comments - much appreciated.

Your mug or measure (strictly, "tankard" refers to a lidded drinking vessel) was made in London around 1895, and used in London (VR21 is one of the Uniform Capacity Verification numbers for London, in use from 1891, and probably applied by the pewterer; VR = Victoria Regina, so within the reign of Victoria; LOC is probably LCC, for London County Council).

See Verification Marks on my website for more details on UV numbers.

Quart is the capacity.

Condition is critical in valuing pieces like this, on top of which you must remember that London-made mugs and measures of this period are not uncommon, and the internet has depressed values. Hence an excellent example might sell for around 20-30 pounds / 40-60 dollars, and one in less good condition might make half that.

Hope that helps.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk