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Many pewter collectors and other people have observed the presence of the HR verification marks on the lips of various baluster measures since a very long time ago.

Despite the several attempts to find a reliable explanation for their presence, no one was able to determine exactly how when these verification appeared, why there are so many varieties and why the HR verification marks appear only on capacity measures.

Various researches have been developed during the last decade and the gathering research step is the crucial one. At this stage, it is highly important to eliminate a large quantity of variables in order to reach relevant results. Otherwise, there will be inconsistent results with meaningless conclusions.

The study used as primary data approximately 40 measures but recorded only 19 since the rest were not identified in terms of pewterer or other marks. The antique pewter articles studied included buds, double volutes, bulbous measures and wedges.

Since 1904 and until today various studies have been conducted by experienced eminent scholars like Masse, Cotterell or Peal who have as well written books based on their findings.

In this way, their books and conclusion represented a reliable secondary data along with the primary data gathered during the study conducted in the 21st century.

People started to recognize the existence of the HR verification marks during the last centuries and the pieces marked in this way were more prized by the pewter collectors.
The HR crowned verification marks existent on these measures can be classified in three main types:

• hR without sword : used between 1700 -1730.
• HR or hr without sword incorporated: used between 1700- 1730.
• The Arms of London City flanked by H and R : used between 1730 until the early 19th century.

Previous vs. Actual Conclusions

Previous researches have reached the conclusion that the capacities of the measures were made specifically close to what was required. Therefore, having in mind that the measures range between 16 and 18.5 fl oz for each pint, the previous researches assumed there had to be some standards based on which the measures were created.

However, the latest study made reached another conclusion, stated as follows: the makers of these antique pewter articles were rather interested in creating pewter antique measures based on the requirements of the Worshipful Company’s Sizing of 1673-1674. In the same time the makers of these magnificent antique pewter items could also follow the indications of the Worshipful Company in terms of weight, alloy or volume.

Until the 17th century, all ale quarts and pints were marked using the crowned WR, but today’s conclusions suggest that the crowned hR or HR verification marks were also used and maybe reintroduced earlier in order to distinguish wine from ale measures.

All in all, today’s conclusions have revealed some more mysteries regarding the antique pewter measures featuring the HR verification marks and their origin.

Still, it remains unknown the reason for which some pewterers had chosen to use a gothic “h” while others the capital “H” during the same period of time.

At Pewters.net you have the possibility to be always up-to-date with the latest changes and studies conducted as well as useful guides for all of us who are looking for the right pewter match.

After all, all antique pewter articles are great collectables and today we have the possibility to start the home decorating process and find the right pewter collectables that would fit your home furniture and home design.

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