This heavyweight one-pint pewter tankard is one of the most iconic and historically significant items in the English Pewter Company range, telling the story of how Naval press gangs used glass-bottomed tankards to trick drinkers into enlisting. The straight-sided, heavy-gauge tankard features the following text: "The King's Shilling: England's navy, while being the lifeline for the small island nation, were always short of trained sailors. To get more men to join the navy, press gangs were sent out to recruit men between the ages of 18 and 55. Some would be knocked unconscious, threatened with a sword, pistol, or musket, or plied with ale. Others would find a shilling at the bottom of their tankard of ale, and since they were in possession of the king's shilling, they were in the navy. This led to landlords using glass-bottom tankards." The tankard includes its own glass bottom, complete with an enclosed shilling, and features a stunning rope-style handle, giving it a historic and striking appearance. To make this gift extra special, a personalised message can be added by opting for our engraving service. Each heavyweight pewter tankard is supplied in a luxurious silk-lined gift box, complete with a black velvet presentation bag. All items are handmade; therefore, any weights, dimensions, or volumes are approximates and should not be treated as conformity to any legal standard.