Collection Highlights
The Puritan
1899
1946.253
Dark brown/ black patinated bronze
Support the New-York Historical Society
Help us present groundbreaking exhibitions and develop educational programs about our nation's history for more than 200,000 schoolchildren annually.
Museum Collections
Historical Artifacts
Apothecaries' weight excavated at Revolutionary War barracks
Object name
Apothecaries' weight excavated at Revolutionary War barracks
Date
1760-1783
Medium
Brass
Dimensions
Overall: 1/4 x 3/8 in. ( 0.6 x 1 cm )
Description
Brass apothecaries' weight; hexagon with inscription on bottom.
Credit Line
Gift of the Washington Headquarters Association, Daughters of the American Revolution, 1947
Object Number
INV.6100.15
Marks
stamped: (15), on bottom; "3i" (the 3 stands for "dram" or "ounce", and the i stands for "1"; one dram or ounce)
Gallery Label
This weight was excavated by Reginald P. Bolton and others from a refuse deposit near military barracks that extended along Bennett Avenue between 181st and 182nd Streets. Built after the surrender of Fort Washington by American forces on November 16, 1776, the barracks were occupied by the British and Hessian garrisons of the fort until evacuation in 1783. The weight was used by an apothecary who sold alcohol, medicine, or other products to the soldiers living in the barracks.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
