Weights and measures, being small antique objects with a background of great interest, have become an ideal and popular subject for the collector. The story of how they came to be used and developed is a long and fascinating one and this book not only tells that story but provides much information for collectors. In addition to their history, the book explains the reasons for the shapes, sizes and materials in which weights and measures are found. It also considers the legal controls exercised over the use of weights and measures and how these add to the interest of collecting. The many illustrations of verification stamps will assist collectors to identify and perhaps date examples in their own collewctions.About the authorThe late JT Graham had a considerable collection of old weights and measures and was a senior officer in the weights and measures department of a large local authority. For eight years he was the editor of "The Monthly Review", the journal of the Institute of Trading Standards Administration (ITSA); he was also the author of two books. The late Maurice Stevenson, who revised this book for its third edition, was a senior inspector of weights and measures and an enthusiastic collector of old weights and measures.

From 1962 to 1974 he ran a Weights and Measures History Circle and edited its bulletin "Libra". In 1979 he carried out research at museums on old verification stamps under a grant from the British Academy.