Antigua - Imperial Gallon
A very rare brass alloy Imperial Gallon measure for Antigua, undated
By R. Vandome, Titford & Co., London, no number, engraved with country and maker. Crowned VR cypher together with chequerboard mark. Diameter 21cm (width 28.5cm including handles)
Before the British Weights and Measures Act of 1824 took effect across the British colonies in 1826, trade in the Caribbean was a mathematical nightmare. Antigua and its neighbours relied on an erratic mix of old Winchester Standards, local customary measures, and competing units from Spanish, French and Dutch merchants. Because sugar, rum, and molasses were the lifeblood of the Antiguan colonial economy, standardising liquid and weight measurements was primarily an anti-fraud measure. The 1824 Act created a single 'Imperial Gallon', discarding confusing 'wine gallons' and 'ale gallons' previously used to tax Caribbean exports.
Condition Report:
There are typical minor scuffs / dents / scratches and marks. Not all stamped marks are mentioned in the cataloguing, and some may be indistinct / rubbed.
Probably re-lacquered and possibly re-finished
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any specific questions.
Condition reports are offered as a guide only and we highly recommend inspecting any lot to satisfy yourself as to its condition and finish.
A very rare brass alloy Imperial Gallon measure for Antigua, undated
By R. Vandome, Titford & Co., London, no number, engraved with country and maker. Crowned VR cypher together with chequerboard mark. Diameter 21cm (width 28.5cm including handles)
Before the British Weights and Measures Act of 1824 took effect across the British colonies in 1826, trade in the Caribbean was a mathematical nightmare. Antigua and its neighbours relied on an erratic mix of old Winchester Standards, local customary measures, and competing units from Spanish, French and Dutch merchants. Because sugar, rum, and molasses were the lifeblood of the Antiguan colonial economy, standardising liquid and weight measurements was primarily an anti-fraud measure. The 1824 Act created a single 'Imperial Gallon', discarding confusing 'wine gallons' and 'ale gallons' previously used to tax Caribbean exports.
Condition Report:
There are typical minor scuffs / dents / scratches and marks. Not all stamped marks are mentioned in the cataloguing, and some may be indistinct / rubbed.
Probably re-lacquered and possibly re-finished
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any specific questions.
Condition reports are offered as a guide only and we highly recommend inspecting any lot to satisfy yourself as to its condition and finish.
