Plumbers' Company - 650th Anniversary Weight 2015

This weight was produced by the Worshipful Company of Plumbers as part of their 650th anniversary celebrations in 2015.

 

It is a replica of a ˝ lb weight issued after their Charter of 1611, with a diameter of approximately 2” (50mm).  It bears three stamps, that of the Plumbers' Company mark of St. Michael, the dagger representing the City of London and the royal cypher of James I.  The original is kept with the treasures of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers.

 

The Plumbers' Company played an important role in manufacturing and controlling lead merchant weights in the City of London, the first mention being in the Ordinances of 1365, which directed "…that every one of the trade…shall use lawful weights, as well in selling as in buying, without deceit or evil intent against any one”.

 

One of the most important early duties of the Plumbers' Company was the detection of false weights within seven miles of the City of London.  In 1488 Ordinances were issued by the Company that "…every plumber in the City to have in his house a hundred, a half-hundred, a quarter of a hundred, a seven pound, four pound, two pound and one pound weight, sealed with the seal of the Guildhall.  These weights to be used by the Wardens to compare with other weights in the same house”.

 

Their Charter of 1611 provided that it should not be lawful for any member of the Company or anybody else to make, amend, or assize any leaden weights within the City of London or within three miles of the City, unless such weights had first been proved and tried as true and lawful by the Company's Master and Wardens and then marked, noted, or impressed by the image, impression, or sign of St. Michael the Archangel.

 

This weight was given in 2015 to The Master of The Worshipful Company of Cutlers by The Master of The Worshipful Company of Plumbers, Stephen Hodkinson.