Antique Collector - Toby and Character Jugs |
Toby and Character Jugs
A Toby Jug - sometimes known as a Fillpot - is a ceramic jug in the form of a seated person. Typically the figure is a heavily-set, jovial man holding a mug of beer in one hand and a pipe of tobacco in the other and wearing 18th century attire: a long coat and a tricorn hat. The tricorn hat forms a pouring spout, often with a removable lid, and a handle is attached at the rear.
Toby Jugs have been produced for many years, probably since the early 18th century. Some of the finest early Toby Jugs were made in the Staffordshire Potteries, by the likes of Ralph Wood, Whieldon and Walton.
Doulton developed the idea into a range of character jugs inspired by Charles J Noke. In 1934, Noke launched the range of Character Jugs and Toby Jugs which are so collectible today. He modeled the first two characters, John Barleycorn and Old Charley and the striking double-faced jug of Mephistopheles. Some of these jugs can now command very high prices.
