A rare and highly sought-after Erwin Rommel Toby Jug Character Jug has sold for a record-breaking £1,791.72 on eBay, underlining the growing demand for military-themed ceramics and limited-edition Toby jugs.
Produced by Bairstow Manor Pottery of Hanley, England, the Rommel jug is a ¾ body design created circa 2015 as part of a strictly limited edition of just 25 pieces. Commissioned by collector Dave Tomlin and modelled by Ray Noble, this character jug depicts Rommel in his iconic World War II Desert Fox uniform, with finely sculpted military details and a classic Staffordshire style finish.
The jug commemorates Johannes Erwin Eugen Rommel (1891–1944), a decorated military officer who served in the Imperial German Army, the Reichswehr of the Weimar Republic, and later became a field marshal in Nazi Germany’s Wehrmacht. Nicknamed the “Desert Fox”, Rommel earned international recognition for his campaigns in North Africa during WWII and remains a controversial and complex figure in military history.
The sale, which concluded on April 28, 2025, attracted significant attention from collectors of militaria and character jugs alike. With only 25 ever produced, the Rommel jug is considered among the rarest in Bairstow Manor’s output, and the final price reflects its scarcity, historical significance, and the continued passion among collectors for these carefully crafted figures.
Bairstow Manor Pottery is known for its finely made character jugs, which often honour historical and political figures. The company, based in the heart of the Potteries in Staffordshire, has built a loyal following thanks to its hand-crafted, small-batch ceramic artistry.
This sale highlights the enduring appeal of ceramic character jugs as a collector’s market—where craftsmanship, history, and rarity combine to create lasting value. For fans of military history and Toby jug artistry alike, this Rommel jug stands as both a conversation piece and a historic collectible.
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