Prize Tankard for Back Sword Play (1695)

A Prize Quart Pewter Tankard, labelled:

“Won at the Fighting Cocks, Plaistford, As a prize for Back Sword Play. ”

The exact date is unknown, however the accredited metal worker, Thomas Easton, was active between 1675-1695, so it must’ve been produced during this period. It’s unknown when it was presented as a prize.

Museum Number: SBYWM:2009R.125.2109

Thomas Easton late 17thC; Tankard 1675-95;prize for backsword fighting, Plaitford

Content Item: SBYWM / 1938.110

This item is available to view via Salisbury Museum’s online collection: https://collections.salisburymuseum.org.uk/object/SBYWM:2009R.125.2109

It was also described in a note by Goddard (MSS.2673 – notebook on Wiltshire and general folk tales compiled by Cecil V.G. Goddard, volume 23, page 157) – with thanks to Wiltshire Museum:

Wilts. Folklore.

Backsword.

In Salisbury Museum is a quart pewter tankard engraved with a rough & large floral device & having a handsome thumb Catch to the lid: it is labelled

“Won at the Fighting Cocks Plaistford as a prize for Back Sword Play . “