Expert: Martin G Roberts - 1/7/2007

Question
I have an old English tankard from my grandfather with a stamped symbol on it that has a crown on the top, underneath that are the intials ER followed by the number 175. The cup itself appears to be of pewter (?) and the lip appears to be of bronze. Can you tell me about it?

Answer
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This is a measure rather than a tankard. The collar is made of brass. In the mid/late 19th and early 20th century, several pewtering firms, mainly in London, produced this style to be used specifically for checking other measures used in a bar or pub. That is not to suggest they were local standard measures, but rather that each pub would have a graduated set so they could ensure their other measures were legal.

This one has a local weights & measures inspector's capacity check from the reign of Edward VII (1901-10; hence ER for Edward Rex), and a Uniform Verification number 175 for Essex (a county in eastern England). Since 175 ceased to be used by 1904, we can date your measure to 1901-04.

You can read more about verification marks on my website at www.antique-metalware.co.uk, clicking on the verification marks link on the menu.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk