I understand it was from days of old when the world was not such a safe place(huh) so that when a man was taking a drink he could see if there was any danger approaching. Have no idea if it has any basis in fact but a good story and certainly feasible
Jun 14 2002, 4:41 AM
mibmob
Answer has 4 votes
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mibmob 21 year member
1273 replies
Answer has 4 votes.
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Well English beer mugs were made like that so you could see if the king's shilling was at the bottom - if it was you had been got by the naval press gangs.
Jun 14 2002, 6:24 AM
Jack Flash
Answer has 2 votes
Jack Flash
Answer has 2 votes.
The point about taking the King's Shilling is quite right, but perhaps the custom persists nowadays to enable people to carry on watching TV whilst drinking?
