Character Jug Price Guide, Character Jug Variations, Prototypes and Colourways, Doulton Character Jugs

Smuts Character Jug information and price guide including rare colourway

The Royal Doulton character jug of Smuts or Jan Christian Smuts is a highly collectible ceramic piece designed by artist Harry Fenton. Produced between 1946 and 1948, this jug captures the likeness of the renowned South African statesman, military leader, and intellectual. Smuts is best known for his contributions to both World Wars and his influential role in the creation of the League of Nations.

A Royal Doulton character jug Field Marshal The Rt Hon J C Smuts
A Royal Doulton character jug Field Marshal The Rt Hon J C Smuts. This example sold for £270 at Hansons, February 2023.

On the jug Smuts is depicted wearing his dessert tan military uniform with a tan and light brown brimmed hat which shows a South African cap badge in yellow. The handle is slightly unusual being a simple curve with the head of a Springbok antelope to the top. The jug stands at 6.5 inches in height.

About Jan Christian Smuts

Smuts (1870–1950) was an important figure in global politics during the early 20th century. A South African attorney, he rose to prominence for his roles in both World Wars, serving as a member of the British War Cabinet during World War I. He played a key role in drafting the Covenant of the League of Nations, an early attempt at fostering international cooperation and peace. During World War II, Smuts was again a valuable ally to the British and helped shape post-war diplomacy, contributing to the preamble of the United Nations Charter in 1945. His legacy also includes two terms as the Prime Minister of South Africa, first from 1919 to 1924 and then from 1939 to 1948.

Smuts Royal Doulton character jug
Smuts Royal Doulton character jug. This example sold for £300 at Potteries Auction, July 2023.

Harry Fenton’s design of the Smuts character jug celebrates this complex and influential leader, capturing his commanding presence. Like other Royal Doulton character jugs, it is part of a long tradition of finely crafted ceramics that commemorate historical figures, making it a sought-after item for collectors of mid-20th century British pottery. The jug’s brief production period, from 1946 to 1948, adds to its rarity and value.

Very Rare Green Khaki Colourway

Rare Green Khaki Colourway of Royal Doutlon Smuts Character Jug
Rare Green Khaki Colourway of Royal Doutlon Smuts Character Jug. Sold for $3,600 at Lion & Unicorn, November 2021.

A very rare color variation in khaki uniform was sold at the Lion and Unicorn’s Collectors Auction on November 16, 2021. The estimated auction value ranged from $2,000 to $6,000, with a final winning bid of $3,600. In this version of the jug Smuts is depicted wearing his dessert military uniform but with a green khaki base with red colourings in his hat and for his tie and additions to his jacket and the handle also shows a South African the head of a Springbok antelope to the top.

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