Original Item: Only One Available. This is a classic trench item from WWI! The Belgian vendor we purchased this from claimed it was recovered from a trench in 2016, but the excellent clean condition makes that claim somewhat spurious. These Rum Jugs were supplied to the troops on the Western Front to raise morale. Actually in cold weather alcohol is not the thing to take to keep warm but maybe it keep one's spirits up.
Marked on the shoulder and the bottom in a circle:
TAMWORTH
Also marked S.R.D. across the top. For years there has been speculation what these three letters stood for, perhaps "SPECIAL RESERVE DEPARTMENT" or "SERVICE RUM DILUTED". The soldiers used to refer to them as meaning:
"SOON RUNS DRY" or "SELDOM REACHES DESTINATION"
Standing 12 1/2" tall and 6 1/2" across these contained approximately an Imperial Gallon or more, somewhat more than the U.S. Gallon we are all used to. In great original condition, probably having stood in a French Barn for close to 100 years.
In wonderful condition and ready to Display or even use, after thorough washing of course.
