Q: Can you tell me something about this odd little pitcher? It says "Bevete se potete" on the front. There's a small hole inside near the bottom where the handle attaches and there's a small spout on the rim. The sides just below the rim are pierced. What was it used for?
A: You have a "puzzle jug." These were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and are usually decorated with a saying challenging someone to use it without spilling. The Italian phrase "Bevete se potete" means "Drink if you can." The handle is hollow and connects to the hollow rim of the jug. To drink from the jug, you have to suck on the spout and take care that liquid doesn't spill out of the pierced sides. Your puzzle jug, made around 1900, is worth about $100.
Hello I have a puzzle mug as well. Did not know what it was. Surely it would be fun to fill and let someone try to drink. Mine is totally different and larger, more like a beer stine. May I send a picture of it? Thank you. Jacqueline