In this group of predominantly Victorian ceramics beloware two 18th century pieces: a typical polychrome delft plate of modest value and a far more commercial early English toby jug.

Extracted from Antiques Trade Gazette | Terence Ryle

The lot was offered for sale as part of a Vintage and General Sale by Gardiner Houlgate (20% buyer’s premium) of Corsham near Bath on July 25 with an estimate of just £50-80.

The green and brown glazed toby jug is of the so-called Thin Man type made – perhaps by the influential potter Ralph Wood – in Staffordshire c.1780-90.

Its condition left much to be desired (there were chips to his tricorn hat, a missing pipe and repairs to the base) but these are the most desirable of all toby jugs and many collectors would have loved to bought it anywhere close to the estimate of just £50-80.

In fact, a number of buyers spotted it and the lot sold to an internet bidder at £2200.