Weird but true

[ffutures]

I forgot to mention this; My sister and one of my nieces were at a boot fair (sort of amateur junk market thing for those not in the UK) a couple of weeks ago and found a 1pt pewter tankard... with my full initials on it, MLR. Three guesses what my niece gave me for my birthday a few days ago, and the other two don't count.

Now I have to find something I actually like drinking that tastes OK in a pewter tankard. Since I don't like beer or cider, and am not a huge fan of alcoholic drinks generally, this may not be entirely straightforward... So far I know that sparkling mineral water seems to taste better out of a glass than a tankard, haven't tried anything else.

Comments

Happy Belated Birthday!

[johnreiher.livejournal.com]

First off, happy belated Birthday Marcus!

Second, hmm, what tastes good from a pewter mug other beer, mead, or other alcoholic beverages? Well, the big thing is when was this pewter mug made. If it's pre-1970, it has lead in it. If that's the case, put it up on the shelf and admire it.

Otherwise I'd try some fruit juices or punches.

Re: Happy Belated Birthday!

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Good point - I have no idea of its age, so mantlepiece may be the best bet.

[bugshaw.livejournal.com]

I'm sure if Irn Bru is made from girders it should taste great from a tankard.

Re: Happy Belated Birthday!

[original-aj.livejournal.com]

Is there a maker's mark on the bottom? I've managed to date tankards from them.

[whswhs.livejournal.com]

Is that what we call a "swap meet" in the USA, or is it a smaller event?

Re: Happy Belated Birthday!

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

It says

James Rivan & Sons Sheffield Cornish pewter

Also "made in England" and a trademark that looks like a bugle, and

1pt 586 F

Forgot to say the bottom is glass

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Yes, swap meet sounds about right.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately I don't like Irn Bru

edited because of bloody autocorrect...

Re: Happy Belated Birthday!

[original-aj.livejournal.com]

Google's never heard of James Rivan & Sons, which is interesting. The ones I was investigating I found sites with pictures of the different marks used at different times, but if the manufacturer isn't turning up I'm stumped.

Re: Happy Belated Birthday!

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

It's just possible that I've misread it, it isn't a very clear stamp as far as the initial name is concerned.

Re: Happy Belated Birthday!

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Think it must be James Dixon and sons, with only the upper half of the letters in the surname clear. I checked and there's a company of that name, the logo has the name in an arc above the rest of the text, and a bugle that looks pretty similar.