Bombards: The original bombard is made of dense steer hide and is lined with pitch for waterproofing. Judging by it's form, it was made around 1650 in England. These vessels had a serviceable working life of hundreds of years, owning thier longevity to thier superior construction and the heat hardening they received when made. The paint and pitch protect them as well. There is a very long and rich history associated with these leather vessels...too much to relate here. I will say that this craft of making leather vessels is what lead to the development of the leather fire bucket and that long after leather bombards, bottells and jacks (mugs) went out of use, the making of fire buckets continued as the last mainstay of the trade.
After more than 100 years of service, this bombard was painted with a rebus; Bull In Mouth...the trade sign for Bullmouth Tavern in England. The rhymes on either side of the vessel reads; The Bull is tame so fear him not ~ All the while you pay your shot. When moneys gone and credits bad it's that which makes the bull run mad. On the bottom the artist signed, John Miller 1773. Many years of slamming this on the counter has stoved in the front of this pitcher or perhaps the bartender whacked a deadbeat patron?
Like the original, my reproduction is 10" tall.
I forgot to add that the larger bombard at the bottom is 24" tall and has a capasity of about 5 gallons and made from 14-15 oz. steer hide. I made this one to rival the largest original known.
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Thank you for the additional information.
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