17th Century Leather Blackjack Drinking Vessel

We’ve had some fascinating items come into the saleroom for valuation this week. From Victorian Samplers, to Moorcroft and antique jewellery, it’s always interesting to see such a diverse range of collectables to consign for our upcoming auctions.

Most recently, we valued this 17th century black jack hand stitched leather flagon or ale jug inscribed ‘William Sherwin’. With origins from Cardiff Castle, this piece will be up for auction in our Antiques & Collectables sale on the 14th of March. 

Jacks of this type are wonderfully evocative of their time. The name is believed to be derived from the Middle French word ‘jaquet’ (jacket) – a simple piece of clothing, generally tied around the waist and flaring out over the hips – which had a similar, tapering profile to the drinking jacks. The vessels are made from four parts – the main body and integral handle pieces, a rough circular base, and the handle and base ‘fillers’ which were sandwiched between the matching elements on the body during manufacture; all would have been laboriously hand-sewn and then made waterproof by the application of pine-tar, bees wax, resin or tallow. This coating would darken as it dried, turning the jack black – hence the alternative name.

We are currently taking consignments for our Antiques & Collectables Auction, so please do get in touch with our team if you have something of interest. You can email us at info@plymouthauctions.co.uk or call the saleroom on 01752 254740.