Beswick Ware David Copperfield ‘Micawber’ Design Ceramic Character Jug No. 310 (Green Hat)

This is a classic ceramic character jug depicting Mr Micawber from Dickens’ ‘David Copperfield’, produced by Beswick.

Micawber’s green hat forms the rim of the jug. He has a comical face with protruding ears. The lower part is formed by the collar of his green jacket, red neckerchief and starched white shirt collar. The handle is in the midline at the back and is in the form of a rolled parchment with a seal, and the words ‘TITLE DEED’ handpainted around the top. The base of the handle has the word ‘MICAWBER’ impressed.

The interior and the base are white. The base has an unglazed rim, revealing the underlying ceramic body to be white. The centre is impressed with the words ‘310 MADE IN ENGLAND BESWICK MICAWBER’. In addition, there is the transfer printed manufacturer’s mark, which reads ‘BESWICK WARE MADE IN ENGLAND’.

This was a second edition, which was produced from 1940 to 1970, with Micawber wearing a green hat as opposed to the original black hat.

It has a height of approximately 22.6cm.

It has an unwrapped weight of 840g.

It is in good condition, with no chips or cracks, although there is fine crazing to the glaze all over. This is reflected in the price.