On offer here is a lovely blue & white sparrow-beak jug, quite probably manufactured some 180+ years ago, and still in surprisingly good condition. It has taken me a while to research, but I believe that the jug was manufactured by John Ridgway at the Cauldon Works in Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, between 1830 and 1841.

The jug has an underglaze ‘Royal Arms’ backstamp, of which – according to Geoffrey Godden's Encyclopaedia of British Pottery & Porcelain Marks [1964] – there are many variations.  This one has the words ‘Stone Ware’ (barely decipherable) in the centre, together with a pattern name (‘Reed’ or Beed’) on the banner.  The initials J.R. (or ‘J.R. & Co’) may have been present, but that portion of the banner is too feint.  My identification of this jug is based upon honest research, but nevertheless must remain open to possible reinterpretation and correction based on more expert opinion.

One thing that my research has failed to produce is another similar or identical example.  The pattern shows a thatched cottage on a river with adjacent bridge.  On the near bank is a shepherd or goatherd, with his flock of both sheep and goats, sitting beneath a tree playing his pan pipes.  I believe that this transfer print is one from the ‘English Countryside’ series.

The jug itself does not appear to be moulded.  It has a large undamaged sparrow-beak lip together with a simple loop handle that is no higher than the jug rim.  There is also a single narrow ‘decorative’ ridge about two-thirds of the way up the body.  The jug has been fully glazed.  The glaze has numerous superficial scratches, resulting presumably from use; however, there is no crazing and there are no chips.  The damage is limited to three hairline cracks, one on the side and two affecting the base. 

This is a very decorative jug that is likely to be appreciated by lovers of blue and white ceramics, whatever its origins.  The most serious collectors will probably be concerned about the damage and the jug's true antecedents.  Notwithstanding any such reservations, I am sure this jug would make a handsome addition to any personal collection of 19th Century pottery.