A rare Staffordshire creamware toby jug second half 18th century

Handle repaired, glaze flaking to hat and other minor restoration.

Antique Porcelain Company, New York

The present jug, although similar in potting and coloring to the so-called 'Midshipmite' jugs, is of somewhat larger size. It can be closely compared to a jug inscribed 'J. Marsh, Folley,' sold at Phillips, London, November 29, 1989, lot 305, both in size, coloring and details of the modeling - that jug unfortunately having a replacement bell-metal head. Jugs of this general type had been dated to 1750-1760, however a Jacob Marsh was potting at Foley in Staffordshire from 1793, suggesting a somewhat later date of manufacture. A smaller jug of this general type, inscribed 'Richard Darby, Sep. 21, 1787' was sold at Sotheby's, London, October 16, 1967.