‘Benjamin Franklin’ Jug

The following article was written by an Ashtead Potters expert:

This character/toby jug of Benjamin Franklin is one of the rarest and least seen pieces of Ashtead Pottery. As with all the character jugs produced by the Ashtead Pottery this is designed by Percy Metcalfe. This is jug 84 in a strictly limited production and I suspect that there were only 100 or maybe 150 produced. I say 150 because I think that the figure may have been produced to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of 1776. Benjamin Franklin was one of the signatories of the Declaration. The jug has a star year mark, which denotes 1925/26. There is unfortunately no documentary evidence of the reason behind this jug's production and my comments reflect my own opinions. I also suspect it was aimed at the American market. Benjamin Franklin did visit London in 1724 and in 1725 produced a Dissertation. It is also possible that this jug was commemorating the bi-centenary of his visit, but I really feel the link with the Declaration of Independence is the reason, because he is holding the Liberty Bell. The jug is in excellent condition and has a 'hand-painted' type finish similar to the Johnnie Walker jug also designed by Metcalfe. Because of this painting it was more prone to variation.