55/766

This coopered keg was bought by the donor in Steyning, West Sussex, but nothing is known of its origins before that. It is oval in shape, and bound with cane. It is thought to be a military water bottle, possibly from the Napoleonic era.

1 keg: wood and cane; good condition

MERL ‘Associated information’ form – 'Coopered keg, cane bound, oval shaped. // Holes to suspend from waist. // Exact replica illustrated in Pinto, 'Teen and Small Woodware', plate 33. Pinto claims that this type used during Napoleonic Wars (Probably as water bottle). // Bought by Miss Chiswell in Steyming, Sussex. // Purchased from Miss Chiswell for £1-7-6 primarily as an example of coopering. // [pencil sketch]', Letter, MERL to Constance Chiswell, 9th November 1955 - 'Thank you very much for sending the keg. We are delighted with it, it is almost certainly a military water bottle in origin but it is a very interesting example of the Cooper's craft.', Letter, Constance Chiswell to Mr Higgs, 2nd November 1955 - 'I am sending the small keg with this letter. I bought it in Steyning, Sussex but cannot say anything more about its origin.'

1800-01-01 - 1824-12-31

Early-nineteenth century

Wood, Plant fibre, rattan