Late 17th-Century English Leather Blackjack Tankard with Silver-Plated Rim - Drinking Vessel

A rare and evocative survivor from the age of 17th-century taverns and early Georgian conviviality, this small English leather "blackjack" tankard dates to the late 17th century and embodies the robust charm of early drinking culture.

Crafted from thick, boiled leather, the body is traditionally blackened and stitched, featuring a rounded base and squared handle. The rim is adorned with an 18th-century silver-plated foliate band , lending a touch of refinement to its otherwise rugged form. Two rivets above the handle hold the silver securely in place, while a few missing rivets (as shown in image 9) leave the rest slightly lifted—an honest testament to age and use.

This piece is stable, display-ready, and steeped in character. It speaks to the tavern traditions of Stuart and early Hanoverian England, where leather jacks were common among inns and households alike. The patina is rich, the form tactile, and the survival remarkable.

Provenance: England. Late 17th century.

Condition: Please refer to the images. The silver-plated rim has some wear where the base metal is now visible. The leather is in good order.

Dimensions: H 13 cm × W 16 cm × D 6 cm

Historical Note:

Blackjacks—The name “blackjack” originates from the distinctive material and finish used in their construction. Leather soaked in hot water and dried—known as “jack leather”—was hardened for durability, and its use also gave rise to terms like German jackboots, Medieval arming jacks, and even the modern word “jacket.” The vessels were traditionally blackened with pitch, a substance applied to the interior for waterproofing and often extended to the exterior, giving them their iconic dark sheen.

These tankards were widely used from the 16th to 18th centuries, prized for their insulating properties and resilience, making them ideal for serving ale and cider. Over time, pewter and ceramic replaced leather in common use, but surviving blackjacks remain evocative relics of early tavern life. This particular example, with its silver-plated foliate rim, hints at a more refined provenance—perhaps once raised in a gentleman’s club or a prosperous inn.