Pewter Tankard with Rat Handle, Hoffritz England

This is a vintage pewter tankard featuring a distinctive and intricately sculpted rat-shaped handle. The body of the tankard is cylindrical with a slight taper towards the top, crafted from polished pewter that shows some signs of age and handling, including minor scratches and a softened sheen consistent with a well-used or aged piece rather than a new one. The surface exhibits a metallic silver-grey color characteristic of pewter, appearing smooth with some reflections, indicating a relatively bright finish despite its age. Two horizontal bands are incised around the middle section of the body, adding a subtle decorative element. The base of the tankard is broader and stepped, providing stability, and the provided context indicates it has a glass bottom, a traditional feature for some tankards. The most striking feature is the handle, which is a detailed casting of a rat. The rat's body forms the main grip, while its head is positioned near the rim of the tankard, and its tail curls downwards towards the base. The texture of the rat appears fine and naturalistic, suggesting good craftsmanship in the casting. The context also indicates the manufacturer as 'Hoffritz England', which points to a specific brand and origin, likely from the mid-20th century or earlier given the traditional styling. The craftsmanship appears solid, with no visible major damage such as dents or significant corrosion, just general surface wear. The piece combines a classic drinking vessel form with a whimsical and unique handle design.