A wonderfully characterful C.H. Brannam Barnstaple Devon motto ware puzzle jug, with hand-painted decoration and the traditional drinking challenge written around the body:

“Within this jug there is good liquor

’Tis fit for Doctor, Judge or Vicar

But how to drink and not to spill

Will try the utmost of your skill”

The jug has a pierced upper section decorated with colourful hand-painted flowers, multiple drinking spouts and a loop handle. The puzzle is to discover how to drink from it without spilling the contents.

The underside bears an impressed Brannam / Barnstaple / Made in England mark. The C of C.H. Brannam appears to be largely obscured by the glaze, while the remainder of the impressed marking is visible.

Approximate height: 11 cm / 4¼ inches

Condition

A lovely vintage example with extensive age-related crazing to the glaze.

There is some minor rubbing/paint loss, including to the end of one drinking spout. The ceramic itself at the spout appears intact rather than chipped.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and show the condition, decoration and impressed base markings.