Rare Measurement Of The Metric System Of An Eighth Of A Liter, In Pewter. Early 19th Century.

Created in April 1795, the metric system revolutionized and unified the various measures specific to each French province. In order not to upset ancestral habits, the new metric measures saw the cohabitation, at the beginning, of the decimal designations and those of the Ancien Régime. Thus, the basic unit: the liter is subdivided into ½ liter, ¼ liter (formerly setier), 1/8 liter (formerly demi-setier), 1/16 liter (formerly posson), 1/32 liter (formerly half-fish), 1/64 liter (formerly roquille). It will be necessary to wait until 1840 to impose the only decimal appellations. Our eighth of a liter measure bears the official imperial eagle hallmark in use from 1807 to 1814. (photos 6 and 7) (It should be noted in passing that in more than 50 years of collecting objects and some thousands of pewter measures examined, it is only the second stamped with the eagle, which we encounter.) The inside countermark indicates the numbers of the stamping office. (photos 8) The lid bears a few hallmarks of annual checks, these large date letters inscribed in a circle or a square are those used in the decades 1810-1830. Later their format will become much smaller. No maker's mark. Property mark: G. MESLIN. Height: 10.5cm. Period early 19th century. Very good condition. Free shipping by COLISSIMO for metropolitan France.