During the 19th century Taverns and inns would have a variety of pottery and stoneware barrels on their bars. Before optics were invented drinks would be poured from these barrels it a measure or straight into the appropriate glass. These Barrels would hold all manner of drinks from spirits to soft drinks.
 
A Very  large stoneware barrel with a rich glaze, This type of barrel would be place on the bar of a tavern or ale house and the liquid dispenced by the wooden tap. They were used to hold all sorts of drinks from just plain water to add to your whiskey, to soft drinks like sasperella. The barrel has a very impressive Royal coat of arms and on impressed number 5 at the top. There are no makers marks, but would have most likely been made by one of the staaffordshire pottery companys in the victorian period.
 
The condition is very good with no cracks to the body or breaks. Underneath the barrel there is a chip to the stoneware but this is not visibile when the barrel is stood upright, and does not go through the barrels body. It is water tight.
 
Dimensions: 43cm high x 27cm wide.