Ceramic flagons like this one, but slightly larger having a capacity of one-Imperial gallon, were used to carry and store rum on board ships of Great Britain's Royal Navy from the late 1800's through July 31st, 1970 on which date the daily issue of rum was terminated. The navy's flagons were encased in a tightly hand-woven willow basket to reduce breakage, whereas this Pusser's version has been decorated to salute one of the world's greatest fighting admirals, Horatio Nelson. Two hundred years following the event that created it, the term "Nelson's Blood" still remains a vital part of the lexicon of the seaman and the Royal Navy - in continuous service since the days of Henry VIII from the year 1525.