XI
CIVIC
EMBLEMS
AND
WEIGHTS
AND
MEASURES
CHAPTER XI
CIVIC EMBLEMS AND WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
The ancient horn—The badge of office—Weighing instruments—Measures in Exeter Museum—Our standards.
The sounding of brass and the tinkling of cymbals have heralded in many State pageants. Civic pomp and splendour have been enriched by brilliant uniforms, and the sunlight has flashed on many a thrilling event in national history. In the relics of former glories we find emblems of the doings of the past, and amidst ruined buildings or those halls now shorn of much of their former grandeur—their original purpose forgotten, or, perchance, misunderstood—the collector seeks symbols of office and hoards them when found as mere curios.
In this chapter such civic emblems and prosaic weights and measures are grouped. A curious combination some may think. Very appropriate, however, when we note the close connection which once existed between those old corporations and guilds who rejoiced in emblems of office and enjoyed the custody of standards of weights and measures, fulfilling the duties which had been thrust upon them by powers and authorities only too willing to depute to private bodies necessary work for which they had no equipment and no organization.