On certain ceremonial occasions the city council decided to ‘pour the civic jugs’. Important visitors to the city were then presented with the contents (wine) of one or more of these pewter jugs. During the meal the wine was poured into smaller jugs and put on the table to fill the guests' goblets and glasses. Amsterdam’s coat of arms is depicted on these jugs, which weigh 20 kilos and, measured up to the neck, hold 10 litres.