The Toby Jug or Character Jug dates way back to the 19th Century and later largely dominated by Royal Doulton but other ceramic makers, in fact up to 175 of them!, saw the Character Jug popularity and began producing their own designs, particularly during the period 1930's ~ 1950's
We have had these for family sentimental reasons (Grandma's from England/New Zealand) but although "interesting" they just don't suit our major collection of fine English and Irish china wares so our Character Jugs are about to leave home ...
This Character Jug was made by Shorter & Son (UK)
Shorter & Son (Stoke On Trent) were in operation 1906 ~ 1964 and produced a wide range of decorative tableware and pottery, including Toby Jugs.
SHORTER & SON (STAFFORDSHIRE) - Character Jug
SUBJECT: CHELSEA PENSIONER
What is a Chelsea Pensioner? These are residents of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a retirement or nursing home for ex-servicemen of the British Army
Besides the stamping underneath (details below) there is the Dark Red RH on the front of his hat, which is short for Royal Hospital
This piece is circa 1940's, based upon when my Grandmother obtained it.
This character is a rather grumpy looking man, scowling in fact (probably from being bought to the Retirement Home!) - not a happy chappy
Hand painted piece
That said, these jugs were never intended to be "works of art" and are not even particularly well decorated (I can see the brush strokes used by the artist) but they were/are fun, interesting and sometimes a bit satirical. They were extremely popular in their "heyday" and certainly were something different from the usual ceramics and china based around tablewares and teasets.
DIMENSIONS:
110mm height (4.25") 130mm width (5") - this width includes the side handle
In the world of "Toby Jugs" this is a small model
Base marking (impressed)
CHELSEA PENSIONER
SHORTER ENGLAND
In addition to the impressions, stamp printed in Black (under the glaze)
GENUINE
STAFFFORDSHIRE
HAND PAINTED
SHORTER & SON LTD
ENGLAND
CONDITION:
USED
NO fleabites
NO cracks
NO crazing observed (Wet or Dry)
Colouring is bright and vivid, heavily applied although with rather coarse brush strokes particularly in the non-facial areas
I believe there is one small flake of deep Red paint/glaze missing on his right armpit area (towards the rear of the jug) and you can see the cream coloured ceramic underneath. Rubbing with a finger does also indicate a small chip here. Take a closer look at photograph #3 to see this "chip/missing flake"
Inside the jug is clean and unstained - quite normal as these were not seriously used for drinking but instead were decorative pieces.
