Beer Mug from the Lower Red Lion, St. Alban's
Artist
English (English; British)
Date
18th-19th centuryMedium
PewterDimensions
Work : 5 7/8 x 6 1/2 x 4 3/8 in. (14.92 x 16.51 x 11.11 cm)Credit Line
Gift of Chris and Risa Engle in honor of Maiya and LeahObject Number
2017.77.40
Label
Pewter is an alloy of tin, copper and (historically) lead. Because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to work with, pewter was used in Europe and America to make a wide range of household goods from the time of the Roman Empire into the 20th century. This pewter beer tankard follows the form of a medieval drinking vessel that was originally made of wood. The raised bands at the lip, waist and foot of the tankard are vestigial reminders of the metal hoops that held the wooden staves together in the original form. The tankard has an engraved inscription associating it with the Lower Red Lion, an inn and public drinking house in the English village of St. Albans that has been in operation since the 17th century.
