Burns

Measuring or gauging rod which belonged to Robert Burns

Period:

18th Century

Description:

Robert Burns would have used this gauging rod to carry out his work as an exciseman. He would often refer to himself as a "gauger".  It is marked with various scales for measuring the quantity of beer and wine in barrels.

 

Burns commenced his duties as an Excise Officer in September 1789.  Excise was a tax similar to VAT, but collected at the point of manufacture or import, rather than sale.  Burns had to calculate and collect the tax due on a wide range of goods, notably silk, tobacco, beer, wine and spirits.  For this he received £50 per year plus £50 per smuggler arrested and a share in any goods confiscated.

 

 

Materials/Media:

wood, willow, metal

Dimensions:

(folded) length 316mm

Source:

Robert Burns House, Dumfries

Accession number:

DUMFM:1969.29

Digital Number:

BHBN035n

Copyright:

Dumfries & Galloway Council