Original British Pre-WWII Military Issue S.R.D. Imperial Gallon Rum Jug by Moira Pottery – Circa 1922 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a classic trench item from WWI and after! These Rum Jugs were supplied to the troops on the Western Front to raise morale. Actually in cold weather alcohol is not the thing to take to keep warm but maybe it keeps one’s spirits up.

Marked on the side of the jug near the bottom in a circle:

MOIRA
CO. LTD
POTTERIES

Moira pottery works, founded in 1922, was known for its utilitarian stoneware crocks for marmalade and inexpensive pitchers and other kitchen wares, sometimes applied with transfer-printed advertising reproducing quaint turn-of-the-century woodcuts. The company’s “Hillstonia” ware was intended for forcing bulbs and containing plants.

Moira pottery was often marked with an oval stamp on the unglazed undersides of its production. The pottery works was situated approximately 5 mi (8 km) from Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, although the village of Moira is just over the border in Leicestershire.

Also marked S.R.D. across the top. For years there has been speculation what these three letters stood for, perhaps “SPECIAL RESERVE DEPARTMENT” or “SERVICE RUM DILUTED”. The soldiers used to refer to them as meaning:

“SOON RUNS DRY” or “SELDOM REACHES DESTINATION”

Standing 12 1/2″ tall and 6 1/2″ across these contained approximately an Imperial Gallon or more, somewhat more than the U.S. Gallon we are all used to. In great original condition, probably having stood in a French Barn for close to 100 years.

In wonderful condition and ready to Display or even use, after thorough washing of course.