Engraved Beer Tankards

A tankard is a type of drinking vessel, typically characterised by its large, often cylindrical shape with a handle for easy holding. At North East Trophies, we offer a wide range of tankards crafted from various materials, including pewter, glass, and steel.

These tankards are designed for serving and enjoying beverages, mostly beer. They come in various sizes, from smaller half-pint tankards to larger, more ornate versions. What sets our tankards apart is the ability to customise them with engraving.

Whether you choose a classic pewter tankard, a transparent glass tankard, or a sleek steel tankard, all of our offerings can be personalised to your liking. Tankards have a long history, dating back to the 14th century, and are often associated with traditional drinking and toasting customs. They are prized both for their functionality and as decorative items, often featuring intricate designs and engravings.

A stein and a tankard are both types of drinking vessels, typically used for serving beer or other beverages, but they have some distinct differences.

One of the most prominent features of a stein is its hinged lid, which are not found on tankards. Traditional steins often have a lid that can be opened and closed, which in years gone by had practical purposes such as keeping insects out of the drink and reducing the risk of spills.

Steins are traditionally made from ceramic or stoneware, although you can still find them in glass and metal too. The stoneware or ceramic construction helps to maintain the temperature of the beverage inside. Tankards come in various materials, including pewter, glass, and metal (such as steel). Each material offers a unique aesthetic and may have different insulating properties.

Steins are known for their elaborate and decorative designs. They often feature intricate artwork, embossing, and relief patterns on the exterior, making them popular collectibles. While tankards can also be decorated and customized with engravings, they typically have a simpler and more straightforward design compared to steins.

Steins tend to be larger than tankards, with capacities that can range from half a litre to a litre or more. The worlds largest stein is 4 feet high and holds 38.4 litres. Now that’s a challenge for any beer lover. At North East Trophies we have personalised beer tankards in half pint and 1 pint sizes.

Tankards come in a variety of different materials. The best material for a tankard depends on your personal preferences and the intended use. Each material has its own unique qualities and advantages.

Pewter tankards are known for their classic and elegant appearance. They have a silvery-gray color and a timeless appeal. Pewter is a good conductor of temperature, meaning it can keep your beer cold for longer. It's relatively lightweight and easy to engrave, making it an excellent choice for personalised tankards. However, pewter can be more susceptible to tarnishing compared to other materials, so maintenance will be required to keep it looking its best. Perfect for commemorating special occasions or as cherished gifts, our pewter tankards are an embodiment of classic craftsmanship.

Glass tankards offer a transparent and visually appealing way to enjoy your drink. They allow you to appreciate the color and clarity of your drink, making them popular for beers with vibrant hues. The glass tankards are not only a joy to drink from but also offer a canvas for personalised engravings, making them memorable keepsakes.

Stainless steel tankards are durable and resistant to corrosion, making them a great choice for outdoor or rugged use. They have a sleek and modern appearance and are easy to clean. Stainless steel is an excellent insulator, helping to keep your beverage at the desired temperature. These tankards are less likely to tarnish or show wear over time. Whether you're enjoying a casual drink with friends or toasting a special occasion, our steel tankards add a touch of modern elegance to every sip.

Ultimately, the best material for a tankard depends on your personal taste, intended use, and whether you prioritise aesthetics, durability, insulation, or ease of customisation. Consider the characteristics of each material and choose the one that aligns with your preferences and the type of drinking experience you desire.

Pewter traditionally contained lead which was added to pewter to improve its malleability and ease of crafting. The use of
lead in pewter gradually declined over several centuries as awareness grew regarding the health risks associated with lead exposure.

By the 20th century, the use of lead in pewter for food and drink items had largely been phased out in many countries, and the production of lead-free pewter became the standard. Regulations and industry standards were put in place to ensure the safety of pewter products.

In modern times, pewter used for food and beverage consumption is lead-free and complies with strict safety standards.
Consumers can confidently use pewter tankards and other pewter items without concerns about lead contamination.

If you have older pewter items that may contain lead, it's advisable not to use them for food or drink, especially with acidic beverages, as lead exposure can be a serious health hazard.

The term "King's Shilling" refers to a historical practice in the British Navy where recruiters would offer a shilling to individuals as an incentive to enlist in the navy. The acceptance of this shilling was seen as a symbolic contract, binding the recruit to serve.

The tradition of incorporating a glass bottom into tankards has its origins in the era of press gangs, which sought to
recruit men into the Navy through deceptive means. Sometimes the coin was placed into a gentleman’s pint and having finished his drink the unfortunate soul found he has unwittingly accepted the Kings Shilling. Pubs and taverns adopted the glass bottom as a clever solution to provide drinkers with peace of mind, ensuring that no one could surreptitiously place a 'King's shilling' into their ale and trick them into joining the navy.

Yes, absolutely we have a varied range of engraved tankards to choose from. Each Beer Tankard can be engraved with your logo and/or wording to create a memorable gift for any beer lover.