First referred to in England during the 1640’s, the silver flagon was designed as a large serving vessel, typically used for wine or ale at the table, and usually holding around 2 pints, or 1.1 litres. The earliest form was that of an enlarged tankard, with a flat or domed lid and a thumb piece, with later versions having a pouring spout added. In Ecclesiastical silver the term is often given to the vessel used to refill the communion wine during Holy communion.