Irish Harvester measure
Material: Copper
Dimensions: Height: 22.9cm / 9in, Base diameter: 17.1cm / 6 ¾in
Place of Origin: Cork, Ireland
Date: Late 18th century
Maker or Retailer: Unknown
Present Location: Private collection
Explanation:
This rare copper sheet haystack measure was made in Cork, probably before 1801, to hold a half-gallon Irish measure. It is verified by a very clearly stamped ‘GIII’ mark for George III.
Copper harvesters were widely used in Ireland and many were made, but few survive conforming to Irish measure, as their use after the introduction of Imperial Measure was illegal. The Irish pint was slightly less than 16 Imperial fluid ounces.
Reference:
- David Hall, Irish Brass, Bronze and Copper, 1600-1900, 2014. National Museum of Ireland. ISBN 9780901777980
