Toby Jugs and More

Toby Jugs were introduced in the 18th century in England and depicted a seated figure holding a mug of beer and a pipe. They are said to be modeled after either Toby Belch, a known heavy drinker or Toby Philpot, a character from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

Character mugs feature faces of famous, mostly English, kings and noblemen. Royal Daulton is one manufacturer, there are many others.

Friar Tuck pitchers were made by the Goebel Company in Germany from the 1950’s to 1988 when discontinued. Some friars were made with crossed eyes on purpose.