Exceptional Toby jug character in blue and white Delft. Almost certainly made in the Netherlands. Signed TSL and with number 1750.

approx 10 1/4inches high.

Sits on round base. Boots, rolled/cuffed pants, a waist jacket under his coat and a nifty little tie over buttoned shirt. In one hand he holds a sack or bag of money, while another is tucked under his right boot. Clearly a man of means. The surface is magnificently painted with flowers. Fabulous detail. The face is marvellous as well - from the sideburns to the detail of lips and ears.

Underneath, the piece is signed TSL and has number 1750.

Condition can only be considered very good considering the age of the piece. There are a number of places (clearly shown in the 'photos), where the glaze has been worn off the porous ceramic, but there are no actual chips/cracks/restorations.

The significance of the 1750 underneath is not certain. Some people have suggested it is the date the Toby was made.  Here is another theory as received in an email:
the no.1750 is on the base but that is probably the date when the company was founded (i.e Allerton has a date of 1842 on the base of many tobies but they were actually produced from 1880 until 1942) another possibility is a pattern no. The earliest John Bull toby was produced in Prattware early 19th.century the delft style and William Kent ones were produced later i.e. 1886 onwards.

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