The mystery of Mr Butler’s barrel
CAN any Bugle reader identify the unfamiliar object shown here?
Clearly it has a link with Wolverhampton’s Springfield Brewery. It is dated 1977 and the intended recipient is named on a brass plate.
So, was the item a presentation gift and, what liquid was concealed inside this portable, polished wood receptacle with handy shoulder strap?
Springfield brewery and the surname Butler share a blood line of 118 years since William Butler established the brewery in 1873 and brewing ceased in 1991.
Eric Butler was his grandson and son of Samuel, who retired from his directorship in 1950. Eric joined the family business in 1938. The mystery gift was presented to him 39 years later.
James Hewitt, former head brewer at Springfield in 1962, who claims to have brewing in his blood – his father was also brewery manager, in the 1920s and become a Director of the brewing firm – suggested the mystery item could have been a retirement gift to Eric Butler, having completed almost 40 years’ service.
Digging deeper, James mobilized former Springfield colleagues for opinions. Chris Smith added “The photo is obviously of a specially made container and was probably made by one of the former coopers (barrel makers), perhaps Fred Malone or Ted Lewis.
“I think John Cole, a carpenter in the building department who was also chairman of the branch of the Transport & General Workers Union, before becoming a staff member in the personnel department, was involved with the idea?
“He might have been aided by Harry Cohen, distribution manager who went on to become personnel manager. I’ve a vague memory of the occasion but can’t for the life of me remember what it contained or when it was presented.
“Unfortunately, we are a decreasing species and all the people mentioned are now not with us. Sorry I can’t be of more help”.
An outstanding question is why the container was crafted in a drum shape rather than as a miniature barrel.
Sometime through his career at Springfield, after World War Two, Eric Butler joined the South Staffordshire Regiment of the Territorial Army, his number being 126417, Fifth Battalion.
He rose through the ranks, finally to become Lieutenant Colonel. For his services to the regiment, in the New Year’s Honours List of 1957, Eric Langton
Butler MC TD received a CBE with the endorsement of: “An officer of the most excellent order”.
In later life he took on the role of a trustee of the Staffordshire Regimental Museum, at Lichfield. He died, 28th November 1985. The funeral service was held at St Chad’s Church, Pattingham.
The vessel in question was given to the writer by the owner of the South Staffordshire former home of Lieutenant Colonel Butler.
David Cooper, Wolverhampton