19TH CENTURY TOBY PEG LEG TEAPOT, STAFFORDSHIRE, c.1880-1901

Description

This is a fun late 19th century ceramic novelty teapot in a design known as the Toby Peg Leg.

Can arrange postage at cost uninsured

Based on the popular Toby character featured on Toby Jugs, the spout of the teapot is formed by the peg leg or wooden leg of the character as he sits with legs akimbo, his other leg forming the handle

There are various theories about the origins of the Toby character who first appears in the early to mid 1700s. Some think he is based on Shakespeare's Sir Toby Belch from Twelfth Night, others that he takes his name from the Yorkshire character Toby Fillpot, a notorious drunkard. Some consider that the name comes from Low Toby, the name for a highwayman who operated on foot rather than on horseback. Whatever his origins, Toby is an instantly recognisable figure in his 18th century costume, often holding a tankard or pipe. The peg leg version featured here seems to be specific to teapots of this design and was almost certainly for practical reasons.

Made in Staffordshire in the late 19th century, this hand painted teapot is simply marked Toby on the underside of the base. Teapots of this design were produced by a number of Staffordshire potteries around this time and many of them are unmarked.

Condition is generally good. Please make sure to view all the photographs as these form part of the description.

The teapot stands 19cm / 7.5ins high and is 25.5cm / 10ins from spout to handle. It weighs 924g 

Professional valuation in 1981 says possibly Daulton

Ad ID: 1415802996