One Quart Oak Campaign Keg

An oak One Quart Keg with a leather shoulder.

The Keg or Costrel is coopered and has split cane banding to each end for added strength. The mouth apperture to drink from or fill is to the centre of the barrel. A hinged brass hasp lock, which can be secured by its padlock, is shaped to hold the cork stopper in place.

The barrel has a leather sling strap so that it can be carried over your shoulder. The hide strap is well made with two buckles. The owner's initials of 'H.G.M.' are stamped to the brass hasp lock and to one end of the barrel. The other end is stamped '1 Quart''.

We know that this type of drinking Costrel was used by Army officers because it features in two catalogues by J.W. Allen that we have seen. We have also had another in the past that had a label noting in ink 'Sevastopol, Assault on Redan, 8th Sept. 1855. Damaged by a Russian Bullet Whilst Carried By Me.' The soldier obviously thought he had a lucky escape and it was worthy of remembering.

Allen described it as 'An Oak Keg. Very neatly made, strong and light, with Lock, and Strap to sling it from Shoulder ...' In 1878, four different sizes were available from 1 Quart for £1 and 5 shillings to 4 Quarts for £ 2. Second half of the 19th Century.

We also have a 4 Quarts Keg available elsewhere on this website and it is shown in the final illustration as a size comparison.