Goblet

Gerardin & Watson, London

early 19th century · Pewter · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Pubs or public houses were establishments licensed to sell alcoholic beverages to their customers, which became popular places for social gatherings. British law required that all food and drink be served in imperial measurements, so public house owners kept pewter drinking cups of different sizes and shapes with their capacity prominently marked on the outside. This example is a footed goblet, a form that attained widespread use in the nineteenth century. It bears a measurement stamp "1/2 PINT" and features the inscription "R. FIELDING’S BLACK BOY," which likely refers to the name of the public house in which it was used.

Artist

Gerardin & Watson, London

Date

early 19th century

Medium

Pewter

Culture

British

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1907