| κρατῆρες ἑξ τιμὴ τέσσαρες (4 dr.) | |
| βαθέα εἰκοσι τιμὴ ͰΙ (1 dr. 1 ob.) | |
| .. | ὀξιδες δέκα |
is to the same effect as the two preceding. On a hydria at Petersburg[[2075]] we find:
ὑδ(ρίαι) τρ(ε)ῖ(ς) δραχ(μῶν) π(έντε) ὀ(βόλου) ἑνός
or three hydriae worth five drachmae one obol. The last example that need be mentioned is from a vase at Berlin[[2076]]:
ὠά(?)· Λύδια με(ί)ξω ιέ λεπαστίδες κξ’
Here the letters probably stand for numerals of the ordinary kind, denoting the numbers of the batch (ιε’ = 15, κξ’ = 27).
The form of the letters in all these cases is that of the fifth century. In the case of the second, third, and fourth examples given, it will be noted that the shape of the vase itself corresponds with the first item. Jahn and Letronne originally held the view that these marks were made by the potter on the feet of the vases before they were attached to their respective bodies.[[2077]] Schöne, in the light of the examples already quoted, makes the ingenious suggestion that each list represents a different “set” of so many vases of different forms, and used for different purposes, sold together in a batch, like a modern “dinner-set” or “toilet-set” of china. Thus we have in our fourth example a set of six mixing-bowls at four drachmae (3s.) apiece, ten wine-glasses at (probably) three obols or 4½d. apiece, and twenty cups or ladles at about 10½d. apiece.
Some of the shorter inscriptions also throw light on the prices at which different vases were sold. For instance, 15