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Toby Jugs have been produced for many years, and although there is some
dispute amongst collectors as to their exact origins, it is thought that the
first ones were made around the mid 1700s. Some of the finest early Toby
Jugs were made in the Staffordshire Potteries, by the likes of Ralph Wood,
Whieldon, Walton etc.
It is generally felt that most of the best jugs were made during the
mid 18th to mid 19th centuries, many of them with great skill and attention to
detail. Nowadays these jugs can command very high prices.
From the mid 19th Century onwards, new techniques and mass production
methods meant Toby Jugs were being more freely produced and on the whole, are
easier to find today. - Although as with everything, there are always exceptions.
In addition, as potteries have risen and fallen their jugs have
become less available and therefore more collectable.
Many people confuse Toby Jugs with
Character Jugs. The difference being that a true Toby Jug is a full-length
figure (more often than not - male) dressed from head to toe in the clothing
associated with the 18th Century :- long frock-coat, tricorn hat, knee-length
breeches, waistcoat & neckerchief; Usually these characters are
clutching a drinking vessel or sometimes a pipe or snuff box. A Character
Jug on the other hand is only the head, or head and shoulders, of a figure
(more like a cup/mug in shape) & often having an elaborate handle. Whilst I
appreciate Character Jugs (in particular those made by Royal Doulton) have a
large number of admirers, it is the true Toby Jug that is the one for me and
the one to which this site is dedicated.
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My interest in Toby
Jugs was sparked when as a young
child
I would occasionally accompany my grandmother to the local pub where she worked . I remember behind the bar on a shelf, sat some
figures which I now know were Toby Jugs. Although my memories of these jugs
are vague, I recall being fascinated by these characters as I waited while she worked.
Many years later a friend of mine bought a box
of miscellaneous china at an auction, among which were two small Toby jugs.
My friend was not interested in these jugs and gave them to me. That was it, my interest was rekindled and the rest, as they say, is history!
25 years after that first purchase I still enjoy
digging around in antique shops and flea markets looking for that extra-special
find, and have decided to share some of my acquired knowledge in the hope of
finding like-minded soles who may be able to share some of theirs with me.
Over the following pages are details & pictures which give some
examples of the diverse forms that Toby Jugs come in. Some of the jugs pictured
are for sale and I have tried to include a varied range and show some of the
more rare pieces. If you are looking for a jug not shown it's always
worth getting in touch as I have many jugs which are not listed here and may well have just
the one you're after.
Please note, the information given is only my opinion based on my
collecting experience, as with most things this is always open to debate and as
further information is found, ideas can change.
If you are interested in further information on any of these jugs, or
if you would just like to talk about your own collection, please email me.
I am always interested to see pictures
of unusual Toby Jugs, or hear how other collectors became bitten by the Toby
bug! So please send me your stories (some of which I may post on this
site at a later date). Maybe you own a jug that you have been unable to
identify - if so, please contact me I may be able to help.
(please email before sending pictures as I do not open
unknown attachments)
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