19th Century Victorian Antique Brass Measures – Rare Set of Five English Imperial Sizes

A rare and complete set of five 19th-century Victorian brass measures of baluster form, each crafted to represent traditional imperial liquid capacities used in taverns, kitchens, and apothecaries of the period. These hand-forged vessels offer a tangible link to Britain’s measurement heritage and are increasingly scarce in matched sets.

Included Sizes:

• 1 Pint – Equivalent to 20 fluid ounces; commonly used for ale and beer servings in public houses.

• ½ Pint – 10 fluid ounces; often used for smaller servings or domestic recipes.

• Gill – 5 fluid ounces; a standard measure for spirits or medicinal doses.

• ½ Gill – 2.5 fluid ounces; used for precise spirit portions or culinary extracts.

• ¼ Gill – 1.25 fluid ounces; ideal for tinctures, essences, or small-scale apothecary use.

Each measure features a rolled rim, strap handle, and period patina, reflecting its utilitarian role in Victorian daily life. Whether displayed as a collector’s ensemble or used for educational interpretation, this set embodies the precision and charm of 19th-century craftsmanship.

Provenance - 19th Century. Each stamped "VR", numbered and "LCC".

Condition - Good as per the images. No dents. There is some age related surface wear commensurate with age.

Size - Detailed above. These are made from heavy gauge brass.

Historical Context: Victorian Imperial Measures

During the 19th century, Britain’s imperial measurement system was not just a matter of convenience—it was a cornerstone of trade, taxation, and daily life. These copper measures, ranging from 1 pint to ¼ gill, reflect a standardized system formalized by the Weights and Measures Act of 1824, which unified disparate regional units into a national standard.

Taverns and Alehouses: The pint and half-pint were ubiquitous in public houses, where ale and porter were served in regulated quantities. Landlords were legally required to use certified measures to prevent fraud—a practice enforced by local inspectors who stamped each vessel with verification marks.

Domestic and Culinary Use: In Victorian kitchens, the gill and its subdivisions (½ and ¼ gill) were essential for measuring spirits, extracts, and medicinal ingredients. Recipes often called for precise quantities, and these copper vessels offered both durability and accuracy.

Apothecaries and Trade: Smaller measures were vital in apothecaries for dispensing tinctures and compounds. Their use extended into trade, where merchants relied on consistent volumes for pricing goods like oils, syrups, and liquors.

Craftsmanship and Material: Copper was the preferred material for its antimicrobial properties and ease of shaping. Each measure was typically hand-forged, with rolled rims and strap handles, and often bore the maker’s mark or a verification stamp from the local authority.

Today, matched sets like this are rare survivors—especially with all five sizes intact. They offer not only aesthetic appeal but also a tactile connection to Victorian regulation, craftsmanship, and everyday ritual.