Wooden Spigot (2)

There are two devices at Smith’s Tavern that are wooden spigots or tap bungs; one has a wooden handle and the other does not have a handle (just the bung).  A spigot is a small peg or plug for insertion into the vent of a barrel or cask.  The spigot consists of a wooden handle and a spout with a tapered end that was inserted into the barrel or cask.  The spigot was the most delicate part of a new barrel or cask.  It had to be hand forced into the bung hole as far as it would go.  It was then tapped in with a rubber mallet or hammer.  The spigot had to be at the proper angle as once it was cured, the spigot would swell as well and be permanently in position.  

Reference:  None

Catalog Items:

Item None (With Handle)

Location:	Panel 16
Length:	21 cm
Width:	10 cm
Height:	4 cm
Weight:	142 g

Item None (Without Handle)

Location:	Panel 16
Length:	2 cm
Width:	2 cm
Height:	10 cm
Weight:	19 g