Measuring or gauging rod which belonged to Robert Burns

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.