Expert: Martin G Roberts - 2/26/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a 5-gallon copper jug, with a verification mark of G[crown]R 239 -CC
32.
I would very much appreciate any help in interpreting the mark and
subsequent information on the provenance of this item. It was acquired in
central Canada in the 1950's from a (former) government liquor distributor -
and I assume was used to measure or decant quantities of spirit or other
alcohol. There is a large funnel which accompanies this item.
Thank you

ANSWER: -

Hello Evan,

The copper jug usually would be described as a harvest measure, though the term means nothing in particular.

The close up of the verification mark enables some interpretation. CC in fact reads LCC, which is for London County Council. The UV number 239 was allocated to St. Pancras in London in 1879, but transferred to London County in 1891. It remained in use as an LCC number until 1965.

The crowned GR is a regnal cypher for King George, and 32 will be 1932, so this will be George V's reign.

So, verified for use in London in 1932, and probably made in London around that date. It may have been in use in Canada at a later date, but the verification mark does not relate to that.

The handle form is a trigger type, which is a little scarcer and more desirable than a plain handle.

You can read more about verification marks on my website under the appropriate link.

Hope that helps.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Does it make sense that this harvest measure would have been used in some
manner for the measure and decanting of spirits? I had though the CC
referred to Customs and Currency, but upon closer examination I see the L -
CC and hence understand your interpretation. Short of a full commercial
valuation do you have any idea of the value of such an item - is the 5 Gallon
measure at all unusual?

Answer
-

Hello Evan,

Certainly, measures such as this were principally used in dispensing wines, spirits and beers. The larger sizes, which yours is, mostly were used for wine and beer, for obvious reasons. They were made in all sorts of sizes, from an eighth of a pint upwards. 5 gallons is a little less common than the 4 gallon, and yours appears to be in good order. It is, though, of fairly late date.

The state of the market for copper measures in the UK (hopeless, that is) makes it difficult for me to suggest a value. All I can say is don't be too ambitious. In the UK I would not expect to see a measure like this make more than 120 pounds, perhaps rather less. You may do better in Canada.

Hope that helps.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk