Many and Varied
Royal Doulton character jugs started production in 1934 at the Burslem Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent. The first four pieces offered in tomorrow’s sale, pictured here, hint at the diversity of figures produced. From left to right they include: Marley’s ghost (modelled by David Biggs), Captain James Cook (William K Harper), Noah (Biggs) and General Patton (Warren Plat).
A classic quartet
Though once highly sought-after, the appetite for these jugs slackened in the 1990s. Many of the pieces in tomorrow’s sale include multiple pieces per lot. For example, these 12 jugs are offered as a single lot and include three sets of Alexandre Dumas’ four musketeers, Athos, Porthos, D’Artagnan and Aramis.
The rarer the better
Production of Royal Doulton character jugs ceased in 2011 and today (as indeed before) the rarer the piece, the more highly valued. Royal Doulton released many limited-edition series including the presidents seen here, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. All three were modelled by Stanley James Taylor and were produced in editions of 2500.
Strong compositions
This set of composers was also modelled by Stanley James Taylor. They include Mozart, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Jonathan Strauss II, Chopin, Beethoven and Handel.
Beheaded, survived
Three complete sets of Henry VIII and his six wives appear at tomorrow’s sale. The pieces in this large set each measure around 6.5 in (17cm) high. There is also a small set, with each measuring 4in (10.5cm), and a miniature set, with each measuring 2.5 in (6.5cm).
Merry gentlemen
Among the collections in tomorrow’s sale are thematic series including European monarchs and Christmas characters. The latter group, shown here, includes 13 small and miniature jugs such as Santa Claus, The Caroller and Elf.
Collecting at all sizes
Other lots include multiple sizes of the same figure. Seen here are two trios of graduated Robin Hood jugs, the largest measuring 7.5 in (19cm).
