Revolutionary War Copper Tavern Tankard, with brass trim and monogram (SOLD)

This is another rare and unique Revolutionary War era piece, it is a Copper Tavern Tankard, circa 1770 – 1790. It stands 7 ½” tall with a 4” diameter, and the handle extending another 1 ¾”. It has scalloped brass trim around the top and on the side is a brass plate with the letter “S”. There are two scenarios for this marking, it could have been for the owner’s name and brought with him when going to the tavern or the “S” could have been for the tavern’s name.

An 18th-century tavern tankard was a drinking vessel, often made of pewter, silver, copper, or stoneware, used for ale and beer, with features like sturdy handles and sometimes decorative elements such as engravings, varying by material and region, and valued for distinguishing one's drink in a busy pub.

This tankard is in nice condition with a beautiful patina. There is a small puncture hole on the side and is a mystery as to how or why it got there – I think it adds to the mystique. There are examples of tankards in “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution” by Neumann & Kravic (see pictures).