Object number
54/358/1-4
Creator
Description
This counter pan set was used for holding milk for sale in a dairy shop. It consists of a number of items. The bucket itself was used to hold the milk. The stirrer, with a flat perforated circular base, was used to incorporate the cream into the milk. The two measures were used to transfer the milk to another container, probably provided by the customer. These pans usually had lids to protect the contents but a cloth may have been used instead. This counter pan set was used by S. Lovell & Son at St John's Dairy in Reading, and was made by Vipan & Headly of Leicester. It holds 20 pints of milk.
Physical description
1 counter pan [with stirrer and measures]: copper, brass, tinned metalThe two measures, which have curved handles, each have the maker's name and the official stamp on them. The total capacity of the pan is 20 pints.
Label Text
Counter sales pan. Dating to the late 19th century, this milk counter pan displayed milk for sale at St John's Dairy in Reading. It holds 20 pints of milk and comes with three utensils. Cream floats to the top of fresh milk, and the stirrer would be used to mix it back together. Meanwhile the measuring spoons would dispense the milk to customers. Milk shops in this period sought to improve the reputation of the dairy industry. Cows would be visible in the back of the shop to convince customers the milk was fresh, uncontaminated, and not watered down.
Production place
Leicester
Production date
1875-01-01 - 1899-12-31
Production period
Late-nineteenth century
Object name
Material
Associated subject
Associated person/institution
