This is a delightful piece of Royal Doulton craftsmanship. It was modelled by Charles J Noke, and was in production between 1935 and 1960. The 'A' mark on the backstamp puts this particular one as between 1939 and 1955, and it is apprx. 8.5 cm high.
Simon, an Elizabethan fellow, possesses the keys to the wine cellar. He’s someone worth befriending! Immortalized in a popular nineteenth-century drinking song by W. H. Bellamy, Simon was a wine-taster of high order and much capacity. His cellar housed Malmsey, Malvoisie, Cyprus, and other fine wines. The handle of this jug is cleverly crafted from a set of keys, symbolizing Simon’s role as the keeper of the cellar.
Please note there is damage to this. There is a hairline crack running down the back of it, and lots of crazing, hence the price.
