Capacity measures: litre and decilitre measures
Capacity measures are vessels of a specified volume used for liquids and loose dry goods. The Norwegian term hulmål can also refer to a unit of volume. Litre and decilitre measures belong to the metric part of this tradition. Capacity, markings and construction all help a collector understand an older vessel.
Litres, decilitres and older unit names
A litre measure is made to measure one litre. A decilitre measure holds one tenth of a litre: 1 dl = 0.1 litre = 100 millilitres. Volume and mass are different quantities, so a decilitre measure cannot simply be treated as a 100-gram weight.
Older names such as skjeppe belong to other systems and require historical context. A vessel marked “1 DECILITER” should be described as a decilitre measure rather than assigned an older unit name because it looks old.
Historical context in Norway
Norway's law on metric measures and weights received royal assent on 22 May 1875. The transition replaced older units with metric measures. This provides context for litre-marked vessels in Norway, but the date does not date an individual vessel or prove Norwegian manufacture. Metric measures were used in several countries.
Understanding inscriptions and stamps
Distinguish a capacity inscription from a maker's mark and a verification mark. “1 DECILITER” states nominal capacity. A name stamp or group of letters requires separate investigation. In historical Norwegian metrology, justering meant inspection, testing and stamping rather than simply physically altering an instrument.
A small indistinct stamp is not automatically a Norwegian verification mark or an identified maker's signature. Record its position and photograph it clearly. A documented identification may help with dating; a guess should not become a production date. A capacity inscription alone does not establish present accuracy.
Construction and condition: what to examine
Describe a metal measure's body shape, spout, handle, base and joints separately. Note whether the capacity is stamped into the body or carried on a separate plate. Differences in surface colour alone do not identify an alloy. Describe rust, oxidation and coatings specifically rather than calling every old metal measure pewter.
Look for cracks, holes, a distorted rim, a loose handle and visible solder. A soldered joint may belong to the original construction and does not by itself prove a later repair. Distinguish stated capacity from tested capacity and recorded external dimensions from estimates. These observations are more useful than a general assertion about age or collecting value.
Sources and further reading
- Store norske leksikon: Hulmål, Trygve Holtebekk and Knut Hofstad, definition and uses.
- Ny lov om måling, chapter 3, particularly pages 18 to 20 on historical legislation and verification. Used as a historical source, not a statement of current regulations.
- Justervesenet: the Metre Convention and the development of measurement systems, historical context for international metric measures.
