Late 18th-Century Scottish Antique Pewter Tappit Hen, Inscribed “Star Tavern”, Bearing The Touchmark For Graham & Wardrop, circa 1790

An 18th-Century Scottish antique pewter tappit hen, circa 1790.

Of baluster form with a single fillet to the neck and triple incised lines to the base, the domed lid surmounted by a finial.

The body with a scrolled handle is engraved “STAR TAVERN” and bearing the touchmarks of Graham & Wardrop.

What is a tappit hen?

It refers to a large, bulbous pewter jug, typically with a hinged lid that features a knob or ornament on top. This knob or ornament is said to resemble the crest or topknot of a hen, hence the name, according to Collins Dictionary. These vessels were commonly used in Scottish public houses during the 18th century, particularly for serving ale or claret, and a Scots pint was roughly equivalent to three English pints.

Provenance — The jug is understood to have originated from the Star Tavern, an 18thC tavern which is located in the coastal town of Burntisland, Fife, Scotland. The pub apparently exists to this day.

Condition – Please refer to the images. There is a crack to the body (the neck), and general age-related surface marks and wear, and a couple of very minor dents. The item still displays well.

Size – Height 30.5 cm (12″)