Two Rare Mid-1800s English Staffordshire Jugs Van Amburgh & Astbury’s Circus. Circa 1840-1850. Both jugs are moulded in relief and brightly enameled. The Van Amburgh is decorated on each side with the lion tamer surrounded by wild cats and a lamb at his feet. The handle top is moulded as a lion head. It stands approximately 6-1/4 tall. There is a very small chip to the spout.

The Astbury’s Circus jug is moulded with ornate circus carts being pulled by elephants and camels. It stands approximately 5-1/2” tall. There is what appears to be a small firing crack on one side and is shown in a picture.

These jugs were featured in the May, 2006 Staffordshire auction at Bonhams in London, UK.