File:Post Medieval wood tankard, probably dating 16th - 17th century. (FindID 265491).jpg

English: A Post Medieval wood tankard, probably dating 16th - early 18th century. This tankard is of stave construction and the handle has been carved integrally with one of the staves. The upper edges of the staves have been cut at an angle to create a narrow edge to the rim; it is the inner surface that is angled. The handle has a rectangular cross-section and the top and outer edges are shaped with notches to create a decorative profile. The staves are held together with two iron bands which are riveted closed. One of the iron bands is broken across a perforation which suggests the iron band may have possibly been reused. On the base the letters "RH" have been carved. There are no other markings on the body or base of the tankard. There are two peg holes in the handle for the articulation of the lid. The lid is no longer present. The fill was excavated in the Museum of London conservation lab and there was nothing significant contained within. Rebecca Lang. Conservator, suggests the staves appear to be oak and the handle beech.

Similar examples have been found on the wreck of the Mary Rose and Marc Meltonville also believes this example is most likely connected to ships. Marc also notes that coopers do not carve an integral handle this is a different technique to one that coopers would use. The tankards found on the Mary Rose are of a similar stave construction but they have willow hoop fragments rather than the iron on the above example. In total 27 wooden drinking tankards were found distributed throughout the wreck suggesting they were in use throughout the ship. The authors (2005:450-2) note that most of the tankards are made up of elements of different woods, though pine is the most popular for the staves. Most have markings and many of these are based on the broad arrow and cross, perhaps indicating official provisions. These tankards had lids and evidence of pitch lining.

Hazel Forsyth notes a capacity of 3 pints suggests that it was used as a decanter rather than a measure. The lid is missing but objects of this type and date are exceptionally rare and this vessel is in a very good state of preservation. So far as I know it is the only one of its kind from London soil. Shakespeare doesn't refer to 'tankards' in his plays but the word 'pot' crops up from time to time - so perhaps there is a link there.

Dimensions: height: 220mm; diameter at base: 162mm; diameter at top: 112.48mm; weight: 1806.2g (with some mud still attached the wood waterlogged); capacity: 1850ml to top (3.25 pints)

Reference: Gardiner, J. and Allen, M. J. 2005. Before the Mast: Life and Death Aboard the Mary Rose. The Mary Rose Trust Ltd, Portsmouth.

Identifications by Marc Meltonville, Historic Royal Palaces; Tom Wareham, Museum of London Docklands; Hazel Forsyth, Museum of London.