Antique Royal Doulton Nightwatchman Jug for Sale

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Antique Royal Doulton Nightwatchman Jug For Sale

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Antique Royal Doulton Nightwatchman Jug:
$50.00

Royal Doulton Nightwatchman jug D1460

Tudor shape

Whieldon glaze

Has Motto "O Watchman O What of the Night"

Front depicts Scene 3: Front view, reading with Pike in right hand

Rear depicts Scene 7: Front view, resting cane on bollard

Issued: 1899 - 1945 | Designed by CJ Noke

Approx 20cms (8") tall

Approx 19cms (7 1/2") spout to handle

In excellent condition, does have small chip on lip. See pictures. Clean glaze, and this ranks amongst some of the earliest series ware.

About Nightwatchmen:

The street watchman was a familiar character to the inhabitants of Georgian cities and towns. Their job was to literally keep an eye on their designated section of roadway, as a defence against the common perils of crime and fire. In addition, they had the job of calling out the time and describing the weather.

Because our urban nights are often ablaze with artificial light, it’s easy to forget how dark the streets were before electricity became abundant. Night watchmen had been on the streets of England’s towns and cities since medieval times. Artificial light was a precious commodity, supplied only by the flame, be it in the form of candle, brazier or oil lamp. When it was employed to illuminate a street, such forms of lighting had a limited range. Because huge patches of darkness made it easy for the criminally intentioned to move about unseen, watchmen were a necessary protection.

In London, early night watchmen were householders obliged to carry on the duty on a rota basis.