RARE – 18th century redware tavern mug, as used during the Revolutionary War (SOLD)

This is one of the early tankards I previously spoke about in the newsletter I sent, it is redware flared lip tavern mug with a salt glaze finish, circa 1740 – 1760. It is 5” tall with a 3 1/2” diameter top and a 3 1/4” base and having a flat handle.

These tavern mugs are hand-thrown earthenware drinking vessels, featuring iron-rich red clay, distinctive outward-flared rims, and applied flat strap or strap-like handles, and they have salt glaze finishes to seal the porous body. The flared rim design was for comfortable drinking, tapering down toward a flat or slightly ridged base

Soldiers during this time period consumed high amounts of alcohol, (estimated at three times modern levels), partly due to unsafe water, with rations frequently including rum, whiskey, and spruce beer. Daily alcohol rations (roughly a "gill" or half-cup) were standard, and soldiers often looted alcohol, considering it a "spoils of war" right.

Revolutionary War soldiers, officers, and political leaders frequently visited local taverns, which served as essential hubs for military intelligence, recruiting, socializing, and lodging. Taverns operated as the "beating heart" of 18th-century life, acting as informal town halls, post offices, and, crucial to the war effort, planning centers for upcoming maneuvers.

This is a beautiful tankard with its soft tone colors and the very early design. Overall, it is in great condition, only having a very small chip on the rim – but for being over 250 years old, it is amazing that is the only flaw.  As I said in the past, items such as this are necessary to give a full representation of a collection.