Collecting Tin & Graniteware General Store Measures

Tin measure, copper measure, graniteware measure, wooden measure, Brass Standard Measure, Dominion Standard, Imperial Bushel, Half Bushel, Peck, Gallon, Half Gallon, Quart, Pint, Half Pint, Gill, Half Gill, A. D 1874, L. Oertling, London,

DeGrave & Co., Mary DeGrave & Son, Troughton & Simms, Standard Yard, Potter, Hiram Piper, Winchester, Wine, 1854 New Brunswick, 1865 Vancouver Island, Bathurst District, Eastern district, Gore District, Home district, Johnstown District, London District, Midland District, Newcastle District, Niagara District, Ottawa District, Western District, 1826, U.C.,, Upper Canada, Lower Canada,County Brant, 1855, Brass measure, T OF St C,, 1835, St. John's, Newfoundland, 1853, Halifax Town, Nova Scotia, 1853, GIIIR, GIVR,, measures

Welcome to our Website ©

Collecting:

Tin measures

Graniteware measures

Copper measures

Wood Measures, (Treen)

Dominion Standards

Provincial Standards

District Standards

County Standards

Canadian Manufacturers (For American Makers, Please see Below)

As our collection of Measures

grew, so did our curiosity as to the John and Nell Slater

Manufacturers, the government verification Ontario, Canada

stamps, the types of construction, and now,

even the “Gigantic Merger” of 1927.

TIN MEASURES, McClary Mfg. Co. Ltd. GRANITEWARE MEASURE,

Thos. Davidson Mfg. co. Ltd.

Known Manufacturers of tin and/or Graniteware Measures:

TIN, &/OR, GRANITEWARE MEASURES

Thos. Davidson Mfg. Co. Ltd., Montreal, (tin, graniteware)

McClary Manufacturing Co. Ltd., London, (tin, & graniteware)

Kemp Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Toronto, (tin, graniteware)

The Sheet Metal Products Co., Toronto, (tin, graniteware)

E. T. Wright & Co., Hamilton, (tin)

A. Aubry & Fils, Limitee, Montreal, (tin)

In 1927, the above companies merged to form:

General Steel Wares Inc. (GSW), (tin, graniteware)

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J. A. Brownlee, London, Ont., (tin)

T. H. Waller, Napanee, Ont. (tin)

The W. W. Chown Co. Limited, Belleville, (tin)

Chown, Kingston, (tin)

Simons Mfg. Co., Waterloo, (also: Simons Eastern Ltd., and, Simons Eastern Mfg. Co.)

C. F. Smith Co. Ltd., Belleville, (tin)

D. C. Champagne, Montreal, (tin)

A. Blais, (Montreal area...earlier than H. Blais) (tin)

H. Blais, Napierville,(P.Q.), (tin)

Keenan & Ratchford, (St. John, NB.) (tin)

Gaudiose Brousseau & Fils Limitee, Quebec, (tin)

Brousseau & Frere, Quebec, (tin)

G. Roberge, Quebec, (tin), Pot

J. Roberge, Quebec, (tin), Chopine, Pinte

Gem & S., (tin, 5 Gal., Nova Scotia…unconfirmed)

G. WILSON, (tin)

John Wilson, Hamilton, (tin c/w brass plates)

MARCUS, (tin, Belleville area, circa 1938)

Palmerton & Madden, Simcoe, (tin)

Mayfield Metal Products, (tin, integral spout, “Legal for Trade”)

Applebaum, B., (Boruch), (tin), Ottawa, Ont.

D. Moore & Co., (tin), Hamilton, Ont.

ELEOT ET C(O.)?, Province of Quebec

Wm. Stevely & Son, London, (tin)

Chatfield & Co., St. Catharines, (tin)

T.C. & S.B., (location unknown), (tin)

G. A. Elliott, (Brantford)

R. M. Horsey, (& Co.), Kingston, (tin)

S. J. Horsey, Kingston, (tin)

W. & J. S., (likely, W. & J. Sheridan, Brockville), (tin)

P. E. Boniface, Hamilton, (tin)

M. Stevenson, (Charlottetown, P.E.I.), (tin)

Reilly and Davidson, Halifax, (tin)

L. W., Halifax, (tin)

W. Barnes, Kemptville, (tin), unconfirmed

A. Bonin, (location unknown), tin

Bogue & Smart, (likely Brockville), tin, stamped brass plate

W. J. Whitten & Co., Toronto, (tin)

Wirco, Toronto, tin, stamped brass plate

W. P. Moore, tin, brass plate, Georgetown

D. McLachlan, tin, brass plate, (possibly Woodstock)

Ottawa Weight & Measure Factory, Tin, Stamped, (Ottawa)

W. A. Drummond, Toronto, Tin

C. E. Brodeur, St. Hyacinthe, Tin, Stamped plate, Brass Plate

Goodison, Sarnia, verified tin bushel

Drapeau & Champagne, Montreal, Tin, Stamped Tin plate

J. P. Noonan, Mount Forest, (Stamped, J. P. N., M. F.), Stamped tin

McKelvey & Birch, Kingston, Stamped tin

B & S, (attributed to Boyle and Son, Napanee), stamped tin

W. G. Bain & Co., Peterborough, tin, stamped brass plate

R. Dunn & Co., Port Hope, tin, 2 stamped brass plates

Thomas Rose, Georgetown, (Stamped T. R.), Stamped tin

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stainless steel measures

Known makers of stainless steel measures:

Wirco, Toronto

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copper measures

Copper Measure, Wm. Coulter & Sons, Toronto Copper Measure, Herbert Jones Co. Ltd., Hamilton

Known makers of Copper Measures:

McClary Mfg. Co. Ltd., London,

Booth and Son, Toronto,

Henry G. Booth and Sons,

Booth Copper Co. of Toronto

Wm. Coulter & Sons, Toronto,

Booth Coulter Copper and Brass Co.

Coulter Copper and Brass, (C.C.&B.)

Wm. Cottrell, Toronto,

Geo. Sparrow & Co., Toronto

Wm. H. Sparrow, Toronto (unconfirmed)

Thos. McDonald, Toronto, (unconfirmed)

Benedict Proctor Mfg. Co., (Toronto, then Trenton, Ont.),

Regal Kitchens Ltd., Montreal

G. Hevenor Ltd., (Gideon Hevenor), St. John, NB.

Keith & Cronin, (location unknown)

Wentworth, (“Well Worth”), Integral funnel Spout, Hamilton

Herbert Jones Co. Limited, Hamilton, (circa 1908)

I.S., (International Silver, Hamilton, Late 1940’s ???…unconfirmed)

KMC, (location unknown), circa 1906-07

N. M., (location unknown),

Thos. Burdett, Montreal, (unconfirmed)

P. Lachance, Quebec City,

G. Yon, (George), Montreal

E. BROS., (possibly London area)

P. Hohmeier, (Philip), Waterloo

J. H. A. Co., (probably James Henry Ashdown), Winnipeg, Calgary, Saskatoon etc.

Willson and Warden, Toronto

Simons Eastern Mfg. Co., Waterloo, Ont.

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Wood (Treen) Measures, (Bentwood, Turned and Carved)

(A): Bentwood:

(Bentwood) Dry Measure, Verified, VR over “Canada”, (1890-91), Maker of this measure, Unknown

Known Makers of Canadian Bentwood Measures:

J. W. Hanna, Greenbush, Ontario,

D. P. Rous, Lynden, Ontario

Ply-Ware of Canada, Goderich

Thomas Br., (likely Thomas Brothers, St. Thomas)

A. Root, Lyn, Ontario, (peck)

(B):Turned Wood:

(Turned, applied handle), Verified, VR over G, 24, (Dec. 1887). Also marked, “Pat’d 85”. Maker, Unknown.

Known Makers of Canadian Turned Wood Measures:

J. McNish, (possibly Ottawa Area…Vankleek Hill)

E. McEWEN, (Ottawa area)

A. Root, (Lyn, Ontario)

C. S. B., (Canada Spool and Bobbin Co. Ltd.), Walkerton, Ont.

Cane's, Newmarket, (likely a continuation of Wm. Cane & Sons Mfg. Co. Ltd.)

Potter, Cowan & Co., (McIntosh Mills, Brockville area,), unconfirmed

In an 1883 catalogue, wooden vinegar/cider measures were offered as a set, in three sizes, Half Gallon,

Quart, and pint, each Imperial, and Government Stamped. The set was offered complete with a wood funnel and the

four pieces sold for $2.25.

(C): Carved Wood:

Known Makers of Canadian Carved Wood Measures:

Thomas Brothers Limited, St. Thomas, Ont., Canada (1907-1914)

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(D): Wooden Staves, Banded, (1/2 Barrel Style):

Known Makers of Canadian Banded Stave Measures:

H. Auclair, possibly Montreal, late 1940's

Boisseau, Branded, Crown VR/C, (possibly Levi Boisseau, cooper, Vercheres, P. Q., or an indication of size

as boisseau also translates to bushel)

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Government Standards

Prior to Confederation:

In 1791, the area then known as Quebec, divided into Upper and Lower Canada. Wine (Queen Anne) and Ale

(Winchester) Standards exist, marked Upper and Lower Canada, circa 1795. (Constitutional Act)

In 1824, the British abandoned both the Ale and the Wine standards in favour of IMPERIAL STANDARDS.

In 1825-26, Upper Canada purchased a set of Provincial Standards and 11 sets of District Standards for use within the

Province. These were Wine and Winchester Standards. The 11 Districts of Upper Canada were: Bathurst District, Eastern

District, Gore District, Home District, Johnstown District, London District, Midland District, Newcastle District, Niagara

District, Ottawa District, and, Western District. Each measure was marked with the District name, over U.C over 1826.

On the opposite side, size (Peck.Winchester) over a Crown over U.C. Each set also included a set of "British" style Bell

Weights.

In 1835, St. John's, Newfoundland ordered a set of verified Standards.

In 1840, the Province of Canada was formed, (Act of the Union), Upper Canada became commonly referred to as Canada West,

and Lower Canada became commonly referred to as Canada East.

Apparently, the Counties and/or Towns became responsible for the verification of weights and measures used by local

merchants, as several sets, or, part sets of County/Town (Winchester) Standards exist, circa 1855. These appear similar in

construction and likely were produced in Canada by Hiram Piper in Toronto.

In 1853, St. John's, Newfoundland ordered another set of verified Standards.

In 1854, New Brunswick ordered a number of sets (exact number unknown) from Troughton and Simms in London….most are

not verified, but there are indications that one set was.

In 1856, Halifax town, Nova Scotia, ordered a set of verified Standards.

In 1860, Lower Canada received another (approx. 4 sets) of standard Weights and Measures. These are engraved V.R. L.C.,

over the size if the measure (Pinte, etc,), and dated 1860. One complete set was delivered to the Clerk of the Assembly, and the balance

delivered to Inspectors of Weights and Measures in diverse parts of Lower Canada.

In 1865, Vancouver Island ordered at least one set of verified Standards from Potter, London.

County Brant, 1855, ½ Pint, Winchester. Made by Hiram Piper, Toronto. (E. Little collection)

Post Confederation:

In 1873, the first Weights and Measures Act, of the new Dominion passed in parliament. (Revamping and streamlining

of the system of W&M used in Canada, and the introduction of a nationwide Inspection Service. This act delayed itself

until verified Imperial Standards could be procured. In 1873 it was projected that 96 equipped Inspection Divisions would

be necessary. The Imperial Standards of Capacity were purchased from L. Oertling, London, England, and were delivered,

verified, in 1874. These Standards are marked “Dominion of Canada”, “A. D. 1874”, and, in addition, the Gallon Standard was

signed “L. Oertling, London”.

By mid 1876, 86 Inspection Divisions were up and running, complete with Standards, Forms, Revenue Stamps etc.

In 1876, it was reported that there were 3 sets of Dominion Standards of Capacity, (Primary), kept under lock and key in

Ottawa…each was a Standard Gallon only. The Departmental Standards (Secondary), of capacity consisted of two sets,

Bushel to ½ Gill, (10 pcs. Per set), The Official Standards, (for District Inspectors), of capacity, consisted of 14 sets, Bushel

to ½ Gill (10 pcs per set). The Inspection Standards consisted of 100 sets, Gallon to ½ Gill, (7 pcs. Per set) and 100 Portable

Kits. (60 initially + 40 later)

In 1879, and for various reasons the number of Inspection Divisions was reduced from 96 to 21, and the number of

Inspecting Officers from 96 to 62.

Oertling,1874., Partial set of Departmental Standards Oertling, 1874, Gallon, Standard,

Collection: Museum of Science and Technology, Ottawa H. Makepeace Collection

Known Maker's of Standards of Capacity used in Canada:

L. Oertling, London, (Eng.)

Mary DeGrave & Son, London, (Eng.)

DeGrave & Co. Ltd., London, (Eng.)

Potter, London, (Eng.)

Troughton & Simms, London, (Eng.), (Standards of Capacity and Standard Yard)

Hiram Piper, Toronto

Known Maker's of Linear Standards in Canada:

Troughton and Simms, London, 1874 Standard Yard

Government Verification Stamps:

These are a series of numbers and letters (accompanied by a “crown” symbol), stamped into the body of tin and copper versions, or,

stamped into a “button” fixed to the handle of the graniteware versions, by inspectors representing Weights and Measures, Canada.

Kemp Manfg. Co., ER over Q, T.18

Following is a typical sequence from a Kemp measure:

(crown) ER over Q, T.18

Based on some assumptions, we presently believe that it can be interpreted as follows :

(crown) ER Edward VII reigns 1902 – 1910

T Toronto

Month Indication Number 18 Month (of a 2 year span) of original verification

Series Letter Q Identifies a 2 year period. 1906 - 1907

Kemp Manufacturing 1867 – 1911

This measure was therefore first verified during June, of 1907.

"LEGAL FOR TRADE"

Measures marked Legal for Trade, were likely introduced in the 1950's, as prepackaged products became readily available

to General Merchants, and the responsibility for accuracy passed from the Government agency to the measure manufacturers.

Note:

Canadian Scale Makers, ( ie: Gurney & Ware, Gurney, C. Wilson, Osborne, Acme, Fairbanks, Wm. & J. G. Greey, Burrow

Stewart & Milne, Hamilton Scale Company, New Warren Scale Co., Brantford Scale Co., G. Brousseau, Aylmer Pump and Scale Co. etc.),

also had to have their scales verified.

The stamped verification sequence, is as described above, and now allows collectors to more accurately date

scales and weights.

……………………………………………………..

The ‘Gigantic Merger’ : (a quote attributed to Sir Albert Edward Kemp, 1858 – 1929)

Prior to 1927, Kemp Mfg. Co., had acquired Macdonald Mfg., and had changed their name to The Sheet Metal Products Co. Ltd. Thomas Davidson had also evolved from Dominion Stamping Works, to Thomas Davidson and Co., and finally to the Thomas Davidson Mfg. Co, Ltd.

In October, 1927, the McClary Mfg. Co. (of London, Ont., founded 1847), the Sheet Metal Products Co. of Canada Ltd. (formerly Kemp Manfg. Co., of Toronto, Ont., founded 1867), the Thomas Davidson Mfg., Co. Ltd. (of Montreal, Quebec, founded 1858), E. T. Wright Co., (of Hamilton, Ont., founded 1881), A. Aubry et fils Limitee (of Montreal, Quebec, founded 1874) and the Happy Thought Foundry Co. (of Brantford, Ont., founded 1855), merged to form General Steel Wares Limited. John C. Newman became the first President of GSW. (In 1976, GSW merged it’s appliance business with G.E. and Westinghouse, in Canada, to form Camco).

The Independents :

Before the GSW family of companies merged, they not only competed with each other, but also with a number of generally smaller companies spread across Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. These companies are also of much interest. As we come across them they are added to our listing and we are attempting to research each one of them as well.

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FEATURE MEASURES:

D. Moore and Co. were located at 119-121 King Street East, In Hamilton Ontario. While the origin of the company dates back to 1812, Dennis Moore became a partner in the firm in 1833. The company is well known for it's “Treasure Line” of Stoves and Ranges. In 1957, the remains of the company were sold to Happy Thought Foundry of Brantford, Ontario.

While more research is required, the verification sequence would indicate that this measure was first verified in

the early 1870’s.

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John & Nell Slater Collection Arthur Kool Collection

Thos. Davidson Mfg. Co. Ltd., Quart and Pint measures circa 1905

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If you can add to any of the above information, advise of any corrections required or, if you need additional information regarding a specific item, please feel free to click here to:

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We have been collecting Canadian made measures for about 25 years, and

Welcome inquiries, with pictures if posssible, regarding the current value of measures.

(Also: Buy, Sell, & Trade Measures)

Wanted: Weights and Measures, Canada, Literature: including

books, manuals, Journals, instructions to inspectors

& Inspection Forms. (late 1800’s early 1900’s)

Product catalogues from any of the Canadian Manufacturers.

Early photographs of Canadian Tinsmiths, tinsmith’s shops etc.

For American Measures, please visit: http://web.me.com/measureman999

March, 2010