Photograph: Leather costrel - a barrel-shaped bottle with lug-handles on either side of a short neck. It is decorated with 2 shields and a zigzag pattern up the sides.
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Costrel

Date: Late 1300s

Leather was used for making light, unbreakable bottles for carrying drink on a journey. Soaked in water, the leather could be shaped around a pattern or 'former' and would retain its shape when dry. Costrels were barrel-shaped, and had lugs with holes on either side of the mouth so that they could be carried on a cord worn on the belt or round the neck. This one is decorated with shields.

Accession number: BC72[83]<1996>

Place of collection: Baynard's Castle, Baynard House, Queen Victoria Street EC4 [City of London]

Material: leather

Measurements: H 180 mm; L 195 mm; W 80 mm

Gallery location: Case 14.3

Related material

Subjects:

Manufacturing
Transport

Objects:

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