Mystery jug

OK I think I got the picture on, hopefully I remember how I did it. I have had two of these Jugs for over 40 years now. I bought them from my father who had 10 or 12 of them that he bought at auction, flea market or some such place. My intent was to make lamps out of them; if it hasn't happened in 40 years, time to move on. Thinking of selling but not sure what to call them. They stand 16" tall, base is 7" diameter, spout is only 1-1/2" diameter. The body is a much heavier gauge copper than all the dents would indicate. I have looked at thousands of pictures of water jugs, milk jugs, oil jugs, and moonshine jugs, but still not sure I would call them any of those things. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

 

Oil/kerosene? Maybe even an antique milk jug?

 

Whatever its original purpose,it would sell on its look alone.Dont ask me why,but maple syrup jug popped into my head.

 

For some reason, this handle doesn't seem original to this tin jug. The handle design seems too ornate to be on a tin this utilitarian. Jugs like these usually had plain band type handles. Kerosene/oil jugs would have a spout.

--- Susan

 

Thank you all for the interest and input.

I think a little more info and better pictures are in order.

The body of the jug is a heavy gauge copper (I am 220 pounds; I laid the jug on its side and stood on the center of the jug with no deflection). The neck and the handle are brass, I believe. The bottom is a lighter gauge copper. The upper tapered part of the jug is somewhat domed which makes me think it is hammered. All parts are lead-soldered together. The handle also has rivets. Out of the ten to twelve jugs my father had, the two I bought were the least dented. Considering it might take a full swing of a framing hammer to make a dent in this jug, I think all the dents are significant to their past use. At the time my dad acquired the jugs, he lived in CT and did shows from Maine to Pennsylvania.

Could anyone take a guess at its age?

Rick

 

this looks so one of a kind homemade that any guess at it's age ....would have no basis in fact.
Even if someone could figure out what the handle came off of....that could at best...just give a ballpark date....to the handle...

 

(I am 220 pounds; I laid the jug on its side and stood on the center of the jug with no deflection.)

Wow, sounds like a solidly made item. I am curious as well, what an interesting piece. If the size/strength and dents (since all others had them) must be a clue since as you said it would practically take a framing hammer at full swing to make a dent.

I think it is fascinating, definitely "looks" older as to nothing I've seen in my life time. Is the second jug you have pretty similar, same handle, etc.? Do you recall, were the other 10 jugs the same exact size?

You might consider adding a photo of the base construction.

Hopefully someone here will recognize what this was used for.

 

My first thought was that it was naval, maybe a powder flask. But when I went to look around it could be a whiskey jug.
~

 

I like the idea of a home made jug for a moonshine still. Looks like something is supposed to fit on top. Think the handle came from something more decorative.

 

that's the most realistic idea i've considered....glad you spoke it !

 

Okay... but why is it beat beyond recognition?

 

Dragging things through the woods to a remote still site is rough on stuff along with not being able to hang on to something after sampling the product, if that has real age to it it's seen some wild times!