A fine example of a mid-18th century bombard with a wonderful sculptural form, integral stitched loop handle and with what appears to be the legitimate remnants of a polychrome date ‘1765’ on its front. These bombards, or blackjacks, are leather drinking vessels for ale or water, and usually made from ox hide, made by stitching together wet leather which slowly dried producing a watertight vessel, perfect for use in taverns and inns, where the fragility of glassware was impractical. Many were coated with pitch or tar to create a watertight seal, leading to the term 'blackjack'. Whereas some believe the alternative name of blackjack originated from 'jack', a type of jerkin worn by soldiers. Although common during this period, highly decorated examples which have been carved or painted are associated with high status ownership. The term 'bombard' probably originated from the shape of a gun of the same name, examples of which were found on the Mary Rose.
