[#67051] gardskyld/bruksskyld 1666 for Troms

[Gjest Moira Bue]

I have a census entry for Andervog, Ibbestad, Troms for the 1666 manntall.The gardskyld is 2,5 w. Can I assume w=wog=våg?The bruksskyld is 2,5pd which I assume is pundWhat else can I assume? Is the payment in fish or whatever?Thanks, moira-in-sunny-Florida

[Gjest Olav Ulltveit-Moe]

Your assumpions are correct. The payment would most probably be in fish, but could be converted into other commodities, or cash. 1 våg = 36 pund = about 18 kg. We have a nice, comfortably snowy winter here, don't miss your sunny spot. Olav

[Gjest Alvin Andreassen]

No, Olav! 1 våg = 3 pund = 72 mark.

[Gjest Olav Ulltveit-Moe]

Hmmmm......... you are right Alvin. I blame Nynorskordboka, Samlaget, where I found 1 våg = 36 pund. More precise is Historisk leksikon, Cappelen: 1 våg = 3 lispund = 72 merker since around 1600, before then 1 våg could be 82 merker if duties was paid in fish. Weight units like pound and mark could differ according to commodity, they could also differ geographically and over time.