Form meets function with this beautifully simple, yet shapely water carrier. The fold back lid is stamped 'GR' with a crown above meaning that this piece was produced during the reign of King George V (1910-'36). The fact that it's stamped and is painted in a utilitarian green paint (which has aged wonderfully) would imply it was government issue, possibly military? With it's broad, open ended spout and closing lid, this probably wasn't intended for garden use - more likely for topping up the water in a piece of machinery or similar, though it could now be used for watering or simply treated as a decorative item. 

 

A quality piece that has aged beautifully; large amounts of the original paint remain present, but it's mottled nicely and on the top and rear handles the paint has worn through to a nice, dark polished metal. 

 

The watering can measures 28cm high (45.5 with the handle upright) x 23cm across and 43cm deep (spout - handle). 

 

S/N: #1089