Tappit hen

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This is the earliest known example of a pewter tankard called a 'tappit hen'. It was recovered from the foundations of the present North Bridge in Edinburgh. It was made by James Abernethie of Edinburgh in 1669.

The tappit hen is stamped on the lip near the handle with the date, 1669, and the maker's mark.

The name 'tappit hen' derives from the characteristic hen-shaped knob which tops the lid of such tankards.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-471-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MET 51
• Date: 1669
  
• Material: Pewter. Inscription: Lip near handle: I (a castle) A
  Measure / tappit hen
  
• Dimensions: 240 mm H x 95 mm Dia (Base)
  
• What: Measure / tappit hen
  
• Subject: Pewter (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: James Abernethie, Edinburgh (Maker)
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh (North Bridge)
  
• Event:
• Description: Pewter tappit hen measure with the mark of James Abernethie, Edinburgh, 1669, on the lip near the handle, recovered from the foundations of the present North Bridge
  
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