A very rare ½-gill Scots pewter thistle measure. No maker's mark, but most probably made in Glasgow c1850. This is among the scarcest of Scottish measures (p210-12 Scottish Pewter). Capacity label '½ GILL' struck to body front below rim. A dated pair of Glasgow verification marks for 1850 to the left of the handle. The S-curve handle with button attachment at top and strut at bottom has a raised thumbrest, and vestigial curving terminal. The neck and base have strengthened rims. In excellent condition with light-medium grey original surface patina. Capacity is Imperial half-gill = 2½ fl oz. 3¼" tall, with 1¾" rim and base diameters. 149g weight. REF: C3262. *Thistle measures are so-named because they are shaped like a thistle head. Anecdotally, their rarity is attributed to a change in the law of weights and measures, which stipulated in 1907 that measures had to empty when tilted at an angle of 120°. The bulbous lower body prevented this, so most of those still in use would have been condemned and destroyed.
