Expert: Martin G Roberts - 8/21/2007

Question
Hi Martin
Thank you so much for taking the time to help with this.
Please could you give me some idea as to the age and value (if any) of the following:-

1.Handled pewter measure stamped GILL on the front with a crown over ER over 264. /10 and QUARTERN are stamped on the outside rim.WORCESTER in a rainbow shape on the handle top and the inside base is stamped 9 over a crown over a X.

2.Handled pewter measure? stamped 20 on outside rim and the inside base stamped with a diamond over a V over a X.

3.Handled pewter measure stamped 1/3 GILL to outside and inside base has a crown over a X with a hand to the right.

4.Handled pewter measure marked QUARTER-GILL to the front and the inside base with a X over a triangle containing a V or Y over a #. The base is stamped GASKELL & CHAMBERS BIRMINGHAM.
Many thanks and appreciation
Deb

Answer
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Values assume excellent condition.

1. Probably made in Birmingham, dates around 1870. Used in Worcester. Still in use in 1910. Gill and quartern mean the same thing - quarter pint. 9 is a workbench identifier, X a 'quality' mark (though by this date it was meaningless). 5 pounds.

2. Made by Gaskell & Chambers of Birmingham in the 20th Century, probably after about 1910 and could be as late as the 1970s (yep, as late as that). 20 = 1/20th pint (1 fluid ounce). 1 pound.

3. Made by G&C again, but a bit earlier, around 1900. 1/3 gill capacity measures are a little less common. 5 pounds.

4. G&C again, obviously. Could date anywhere from c1900 to c1970. 3 pounds.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk