Centilitre Measure 1875 - 1895

This is a centilitre measure, made in Caen by Le Seigneur, from pewter. The material is a giveaway, pewter is an alloy of tin, with a little bit of copper and antimony. Pewter was an interesting choice. It was often used for tableware precisely because it doesn't rust and it's relatively non-toxic, but also because it was less expensive than silver. The handle and hinged lid of this measure were cast, while the body may have been formed using a lathe, the same technology used for wood turning. This suggests a modular system, where the different parts are made separately and assembled. This centilitre measure gives us a tangible connection to the world of commerce. It speaks to a need for precise measurement and standardization, reflecting the social and economic forces that shaped everyday life. So next time you see an object like this, remember the hands that shaped it and the social forces that gave it meaning. It's a small object, but it tells a big story.