c1650 English Black Jack Leather Drinking Jug

A very rare and collectable mid 17th Century English Black Jack leather drinking jug in very good condition.

The jug is made from a single piece of hide with an additional circle for the base. It was waterproofed with pitch which has dried with age, leaving the appearance of elephant skin. The string stitching is well embedded into the leather, confirming that it is an original piece rather than a modern copy made from old leather.

Often the jugs, or Black Jacks, that survive have a silver rim or other embellishments which make them more decorative. When the fashion for leather drinking jugs ended the solely leather examples were often discarded. This makes this plainer example a remarkable piece, especially in this condition.

Size: 17.5 x 12.5 x 24cm
Weight: 521g