The Royal Doulton Character Jug of Old King Cole was designed by Harry Fenton in 1939 and remained in production until 1960. This jug was produced in both large (reference D5420) and small (reference D5527) formats. However, a rare version featuring a yellow crown was introduced in 1938, produced only for a single year, making it highly sought after by collectors. We include a price guide for all the variations including some realised prices at auctionm.
What’s in a colour?
This rare yellow-crown version, which also came in both large and small sizes, has sold for over £1,000 ($1,400) in the past decade. Though prices have eased in recent years, it remains one of the most desirable Royal Doulton Character Jugs. Some musical versions of the brown and yellow crown jugs were also created.
The yellow versions now sell for around £300 / $450 whilst the brown versions sell for just few pounds / dollars.
The jug itself depicts a jolly Old King Cole wearing a crown and a full ruff collar. The more common version features a orange/brown crown with red hair, while the rare yellow crown version shows the king with white or grey hair. “Old King Cole” is inscribed on the reverse, and the jug’s handle is simple in design. The large versions measure around 6 inches high, the small versions around 3.75 inches high.
The two versions were actually created using totally different moulds so there are also variations in the crown and the pleats in the frill ruff collar.
A tiny version measuring 1.5 inches high was created for the Royal Doulton Collectors Club in 1990.
Old King Cole was a Merry Old Soul
The character of Old King Cole originates from a traditional English nursery rhyme that dates back to the early 18th century. Though little is known of the historical figure, the rhyme describes him as a “merry old soul” who enjoyed music and entertainment. Various legends suggest Old King Cole could be based on a real monarch, possibly a Celtic king from ancient Britain, though his exact identity remains a mystery. The rhyme, however, has endured, becoming a beloved piece of English folklore associated with joviality and merriment.
Old King Cole Character Jug Price Guide
Large D5420 (brown) £10-£15 / $15-$25
Small D5527 (brown) £10-£15 / $15-$25
Yellow Crown version large £250-£450 / $300-$500
Yellow Crown version small £250-£450 / $300-$500
Yellow Crown version musical £250-£450 / $300-$500
Tiny Version RDICC £10-£20 / $15-$25
