Vintage Taunton Vale Large Milk Jug with Floral Sprig Motif

This is a charming example of a large vintage milk jug produced by Taunton Vale and probably dating to the 1970s or 1980s.

The jug is of classic form, with a short neck and a pouring spout pulled out from the rim. The neck widens out at a ‘shoulder’ above a squat, cylindrical body. There is a broad strap-like handle attached below the rim and extending down about two-thirds of the way down the body.

The jug is decorated below the rim with a transfer-printed stylised rope design. The body is decorated on either side of the handle with two stylised sprigs of flowers and foliage that are reminiscent of herb bunches.

The underside is impressed with the words ‘MADE IN ENGLAND’ and the shape code ‘MJ3’. It is transfer-printed in black with an oval containing the words ‘TAUNTON VALE MADE IN ENGLAND’ surrounding a stylised fireplace motif.

It has a height of approximately 12.5cm, with a diameter across the rim of about 10.2cm and across the base of about 13.7cm.

It has an unwrapped weight of 660g.

It is in good condition, with a couple of smooth chips out of the base. It is possible, given the roughness next to them, that they are manufacturing artefacts when the jug base was being finished.