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