The summer season at Bonhams Knightsbridge starts in earnest with a nod to Britain’s historic drinking culture, as an extensive collection of late 18th and early 19th century “Toby Jugs” go under the hammer in a sale of Staffordshire Figures and Blue-Printed Earthenwares on 11 May.

Legend has it that one Henry Elwes, a Yorkshireman, died in 1761 having drunk an estimated 2,000 gallons of beer from a brown jug, and was nicknamed “Toby Fillpot” - hence, ‘Toby’ jug. The name may also derive partly from a close association with the words ‘Tope’ and ‘Toper’ - meaning to habitually drink intoxicating liquor to excess - something it seems Toby Fillpot enjoyed!

These iconic English drinking vessels have proved their worth on the market time and time again, and over 35 examples are to go under the hammer at Knightsbridge ranging in estimated price from £350 - 450 for a standard model, to the sale highlight, an ‘Admiral Lord Howe’ jug, at £3,000 - 5,000.

While Toby jugs were originally practically associated with 18th century tavern culture - drinking songs, carrying quarts of ale and witnessing hearty entertainment - it is more likely that those to be sold at Bonhams were created in more of an ornamental spirit; a fact reflected by their impracticality for use but also by their level of craftsmanship and handling of character.

For more details visit the Bonhams web site.

Visit the Toby & Character Jugs message board