Pot measure

Date1740-1770

Artist/Maker A. Carter

MediumPewter

DimensionsOH: 10 15/16"; Diam (base): 5 3/16""

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1954-944

DescriptionPear shaped measure with slight projecting lip, applied reeded band around neck, engraved reeding around swell of body, and molded ring foot; nearly straight, flat loop handle to which is hinged heart-shaped lid with twin acorn thumb piece.Label TextOne of the two major groups of measures associated with the Channel Islands includes those of Guernsey type. They are of baluster form, but their outlines are more fulsome or voluptuous than those of the Jersey. Both have the same twin acorn thumbpieces with wedge-shaped attachments to flat, pointed covers. Both have slender strap handles that are burned on. Guernsey measures, however, are more resolutely banded around the neck and the widest part of the body, and they are supported on a taller splayed base.

The most noted maker of Guernsey measures marks his wares generally with a small "A·C" label and a much larger and more elaborate mark, usually stamped twice, with the Carter arms, crest, and motto. Like John de St. Croix, the shadowy Carter probably worked mainly in England, with authorities Woolmer and Arkwright suggesting that he worked outside of London and perhaps in the West Country. "SM" and "CM" marks also appear on a number of measures with Carter's large mark, suggesting that they were probably partners of Carter.
Inscription(s)Owner's initials "IGR" stamped on face of cover.Mark(s)Partially indistinct touch mark with the arms of Carter (on a shield two lions combatant beneath a crescent) with the crest of a lion's head erased on a wreath bar with foliate tips to either side and the motto "A·POSSE·AD·ESSE [From Possibility to Being]" with palm frond at either end within a curved banner below, all within a conforming reserve stamped twice on face of cover (Cotterell 825; Peal MPM 825). Maker's label "A·C" within a rectangle on face of cover in center (Cotterell 825; Peal MPM 825). Label "LONDON" with Ns reversed within an oblong rectangle on face of cover near point (Cotterell 825; Peal MPM 825).ProvenanceVendor: A.V. Sutherland-Graeme, London.