A large glass goblet such as this would have been used as a punchbowl. Clues about its use can be found amongst the words and images engraved into the glass.

On one side there is a quote from Robert Burns’ poem ‘Epistle to Davie, A Brother Poet’. Burns composed this poem as a celebration of drinking and friendship. On the other side of the bowl is a scene depicting three men drinking, under which is written ‘Willie Brew’d a Peck o’ Maut’.

The punchbowl was made in 1824, by which time the formal celebration of Burns’ life and works through clubs and associations was widespread in Scotland. Dr Calum Robertson, Senior Curator, Modern & Military History, decodes the engravings on this significant goblet. 

The goblet (museum reference K.2006.32) is on display at the National Museum of Scotland.