I like the crucible idea. They also look like covers for the bolt heads to hold a toilet in place.  Just a thought. 


Harding Polk II
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-----Original Message-----
From: David Staley <[log in to unmask]>
To: HISTARCH <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tue, Jun 2, 2015 12:28 pm
Subject: ceramic identification help


Histarchers:
Would appreciate any help identifying these objects.  Three
miniature ceramic cups were found in mixed late 19th century fill in Utica, N.Y.
They are 7.62-7.8 mm tall, upper diameter 13.1-13.7 mm, lower diameter 11.7-12.0
mm, interior diameter 8.3-8.4 mm, interior ht 5.0-5.2 mm, volume of .19 ml or
190 microliters.  An embossed foot on the base has a diameter of 9.75-9.8 mm.
The ceramic cups are coarse and unglazed on the exterior and glassy on the lip
and inside.  Our first guess was that these were ink well inserts for a desktop
pen and ink set.  Examination under microscope did not reveal any pitting and
outer dimensions are relatively variable.  Other ideas are that they are
miniature crucibles, have something to do with pharmacy work, moulds?.  Several
photos are found at

http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/dpstaley/library/



David P.
Staley
Archaeologist
New York State Museum-Cultural Resource Survey
Program
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(607) 643-3688