On April 30, 2024, Woolley and Wallis hosted a notable auction featuring a rich collection of British and Continental Ceramics & Glass. The event showcased an impressive 516 lots, but we focus on the Toby Jug Highlights, with 10 standout pieces capturing the limelight.

Among the Toby Jug Highlights were several remarkable Toby Jugs, each with a unique charm and rich historical value. Lot 248, an unusual Pratt ware Toby jug from around 1800, featuring a seated figure clad in an ochre coat and black breeches, and holding a patterned jug of ale, was a standout. The jug, notable for its vibrant green hands and dark fingernails, fetched £550, surpassing its pre-sale estimate of £250-£350.

Lot 251, a Wood type Toby jug dating back to circa 1790-1800, depicted a seated figure with a jug of ale and a long-stemmed clay pipe. This piece, distinguished by its manganese-sponged coat over an ochre waistcoat and a base painted green, also exceeded expectations. Despite a small restoration to the hat, it sold for £380, again topping its estimate of £250-£350.

Furthermore, Lot 243 featured a large Brampton (Derby) stoneware Toby jug from around 1820-1830. This particular jug, which showcased a seated figure with a foaming patterned jug of ale on his left knee, also performed well, achieving £180 against an estimate of £150-£250.

These sales underscore that there is still interest and value found in historic Toby Jugs.

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