TOBYS N MORE COLLECTIONS :: CHARACTERS OF DISTINCTION

What is the differance between an antique and a collectable?

Antiques are collectible items that are at least 100 years old; Collectibles are younger than antiques, and could even be new items. Let's confuse everything even more when collectors and dealers may use the word "vintage" to describe older collectibles. Most collectibles are man-made commercial items.

In general, items of significant, beauty, value or interest that are "too young" to be considered antiques, fall into the realm of collectibles. But not all collectibles are limited editions, and many of them have been around for decades

Popular in England and America of the day, the Toby jug has become a collector's piece.

Toby Jugs traditionally feature a male figure with a smile on his face and a beer mug in his hand. His tricorn hat makes a perfect spout and he wears a long coat with low pockets, waistcoat, cravat, knee breeches, stockings and buckled shoes.

The recent history of the Toby Jug really starts in 1889 when Charles Noke, who joined Royal Doulton as their chief modeler, became increasingly interested in reviving the tradition of the Toby.

He developed first a character jug which featured just the head and shoulders, not the full Toby figure. The rest is history......and a modern day treasure hunt was born.

"Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice."

Some novice toby jug collectors jump right in and start buying items that they like, and then slowly build their knowledge to help develop a well-rounded collection as time goes on. Others want to develop some background in the field before starting to buy.

Regardless, collections start in many different ways, either as a gift from someone or a find at a yard sale. What ever the reason, you can almost guarantee that the first Character mug that you buy will not be the last.

Today, the popularity of Character mugs shows no signs of dropping. Their appeal is that they hold their value, make a great investment and range in various subjects and themes.

There are currently over 50 plus Royal Doulton collections and themes to choose from. The options range from Characters of Literature, Military greats, Celebrity Characters to Football Supporters.

Additionally most themes have been made in various sizes of tiny, small, medium and large giving the collector even more choices to make.

A feature of character mugs which has developed over of the years is the handle design. Character mugs can be found with elaborate designs or plain designs. The early jugs generally had plain handles.

It was during the 1950's that the handles of the character mug became more significant in their production. The handle of character mugs also offers variations for collectors to choose from.

Variations of handles can be seen in the handle of the London Bobby or John Doulton for example which has two variations of big Ben; one with the time reading 8:00 or the 2:00 variation.

The American Toby Jug Museum in Evanston Illinois showcases the largest collection of Toby and Character Jugs in the world including many rare and unique jugs within the complete Royal Doulton collection.

On display are over 6,000 pieces illustrating their evolution from inception c. 1765 to the present day. The collection, some of which dates to the 18th century, is worth in the seven figures, according to Stephen Mullins, a real estate developer,founder and curator of the Toby Jug Museum.

Dear Tom, this brown jug that now foams with mild ale
In which I will drink to sweet Nan of the Vale
Was once Toby Filpot, a thirsty old soul, As e're drank a bottle or fathom'd a bowl
In boozing about 'twas his praise to excel
And among jolly to -pers he bore off the bell... he bore off the bell

It chanc'd as in dog days he sat at his ease
In his flowe'r-woven arbour as gay as you please
With a friend and a pipe puffing sorrow away
And with honest stingo was soaking his clay
His breath-doors to friendship to mirth and mild ale
So here's to my loveley Nan of Vale

His body, when long in the ground it had lain
And time into clay had resolved it again, A potter found out in its covert so smug
And with part of fat Toby he form'd this brown jug
Now sacred to friendship, to mirth and mild ale
So here's to my loveley Nan of Vale

The film begins in 1949, as American attorney Harvey Stovall spots a familiar toby jug in an English antique shop. He buys it, boards a train and then bicycles to the abandoned airbase at Archbury where he served in World War II. The film then flashes back to 1942.

And the significance of the Robin Hood toby mug? Usually it sets on the mantle in the officers' club, face to the wall; whenever there's a mission the mug is turned face out. "Not again!" an officer mutters when he is confronted by the face.


Twelve O'Clock High