DATED BRONZE MEASURE: IMPERIAL PECK

An original and now scarce Victorian IMPERIAL BRONZE PECK, engraved for the Borough of Kendal and dated 1876. This heavy cast bronze measure features twin bronze handles to the sides and is stamped to the rim with various monarch and Customs & Excise marks.  It is further engraved with: “K K” which interestingly refers to Ketel, son of Elthred, a nobleman who was third baron of Kendal in the 11th/12th centuries and which is a historical marking on local weights and measures, not a unit of measurement! 16ins across the handles; 12 ins diameter; 6ins high. (40.5 x 30.5 x 15cms)

** These measures were original used by Customs & Excise Officers to check that market traders were not under-selling dry goods to members of the public. A set of measures would be loaded on to a horse-drawn dray and covered with sacking. On arrival at the local market, an officer would ask a trader for (say) a “peck of corn”. Once served the sacking was removed and the trader’s corn would be poured into the standard Peck.  Woe betide the trader if the quantity was not correct; a heavy fine for a first offence and possible banishment to Australia for repeat offenders!

*** Please note that this fine Bronze Peck is not on view in the shop; for further details telephone 07860 818212 or e-mail in the normal way.