Late Victorian Large Triple Moulded Glass Beer Tankard c.1880

This is a handsome but mass-produced late 19th-century glass beer tankard.

The tankard is substantially proportioned and has been made in a three-part mould. It widens out towards the thickened base, which has a raised rim and is moulded in the centre with a radiating star motif. The body is moulded with six lenticular panels which are arranged vertically. Each panel contains five raised dots. Above and below the point at which adjacent panels meet there is a three-pointed fan motif. The handle is thick and strap-like and is impressed with diamonds down the sides.

The tankard is made from soda glass, and owing to its mass-produced nature it contains numerous flaws, enclosed bubbles, striations and pieces of frit.

It has a height of approximately 13.5cm, with a diameter across the rim of about 9.0cm and across the base of about 10.0cm.

It has a liquid capacity (to the brim) of 500ml, thus holding just short of a pint.

It has an unwrapped weight of 680g.

It is in fair condition, given its age and purpose. There are a few small chips to the handle and numerous scratches to the body. There is also a small crack to the edge of the base, although this could be a result of the manufacturing process. Despite this wear, the piece is a wonderful example of social history and still entirely fit for purpose!