General Auction including Antiques & Collectables, Gold & Silver (14% Buyers Commission)

General Auction including Antiques & Collectables, Gold & Silver (14% Buyers Commission)

Catalogue

Lot 334: Vintage Cast Brass Barrel Tap marked The Vasco

Live auction will start in __ days and __ hours

Start price: £1

Estimated price: £10 - £15

Buyer's Premium:

A vintage industrial barrel or cask tap, also known as a spigot, manufactured from cast brass. The item features a tapered intake section with longitudinal ribbing and a perforated distal end designed to act as a coarse filter when inserted into a wooden barrel. The central body is fitted with a T-shaped turncock handle and a downward-sloping spout. The side of the body is clearly stamped with the mark THE VASCO and the characters 033 V. The top surface of the handle features various stamped marks, including a central circular emblem containing a stylized symbol and partially legible lettering that appears to read L I T H. This design is characteristic of British brewery equipment from the late 19th to early 20th century, used for dispensing liquids such as beer or cider directly from the cask.


Condition report:

The tap is presented in an uncleaned, aged condition with a significant natural patina. There are visible deposits of verdigris and white mineral oxidation in the recessed areas. The brass surface shows various scuffs, scratches, and minor indentations consistent with industrial use and age. A small piece of white adhesive tape is stuck to the ribbed intake section. The mechanical turncock remains intact and moveable, though its internal seal and functionality have not been tested.