Beer tap handles have been around for a while. Originally they were plain and simple but over the years they have become more aesthetic. As their home use increases they have become more ornate to match or suit the lifestyle of the user or owner. Besides having a function beer tap handles have a colorful and interesting history. The story goes that Beer Tap handles were created a few hundred years ago during the Thirty-Year war from 1618 -1648. "Taps" was a tune the bugle call sounded that signaled the soldiers to quit drinking the beer for the night. Once the bugle finished playing, the soldiers finished off their beers quickly and an appointed guard would quickly tap the bungs into the beer barrel to prevent any more refills (hence the name taps). However, soldiers who wanted a last refill devised a plan where they hid the bungs before hand and the wooden spigot used to dispense the beer could not be removed! To prevent the bungs being stolen the guards modified the bungs where they had to be inserted into the spigot. The modified bungs effectively once inserted stopped the beer flowing. Thus, the first beer tap handles were born.
In the 1920's in the United States labeled tap handles were required by law. All tap beers were required to be labeled with the name of the beer that was being served. Early knobs back then were shaped like knobs and called ball knobs. The knobs carried colorful insignias of the draft beers. As breweries introduced a broader variety of beer, so did the variety of draft beer handles. Breweries used the tap handles as a marketing tool.
A beer tap handle collection can be a very interesting hobby. There are many different types and styles of beer tap handles available. Beer tap handles are also made of many different materials. When combined with the different types of beers available today and types of beers no longer available there is a huge pool of tap handles to collect. There are many different categories of beer tap handles; antique, custom, metal, or wood to name a few. You can limit your collection to one type or collect in a broad and random style. Either way your collection will still be interesting. You can even order custom beer tap handles.
You could collect animal beer tap handles like a coyote, bear, bulldog or an eagle beer tap handles. These tap handles are intricately designed and have a tremendous aesthetic value. There are also sports themed tap handles and also myth beer tap handles. Choose whatever suits your style.
Displaying your beer tap collection can be a challenge. There are beer tap collection stands available that can hold from three to 30 different beer taps. You can display your collection in your newly designed games room or in your office. If your collection is unique and interesting put it out there for people to admire.
