Very rare English pewter pre-Imperial ½-mutchkin Scots capacity ball and bar baluster measure c1710-40. Having a ball thumbpiece set up on a stalk, the flat lid with a locating keeper ring inside, and attractive engraved ownership initials 'IB' and 'BD' in the Scottish style. Solid ‘C’ handle with spade terminal, lid with one outer incised line, body has three incised lines. Good 'witness' mark to upper handle, and linen marks inside lid and body. Provenance: formerly in the collections of the late R Michaelis, Mrs Clark Princeton NJ, and 'Bud' Swain (Lot 10 Northeast Auctions 19.5.2007). In excellent condition, with light-medium grey original surface patina. Although of Scots capacity (7.8 fl oz), which was also used in Northern England in the late 18th century, the body shape and erect ball shows this is not a Scottish piece. 5” tall overall, and 4⅛” to rim, with base diameter of 2⅜”. 335g weight. REF: C2750
