DESCRIPTION and HISTORY of PUB JUGS The original purpose of the Pub Jug originated in Europe as a back bar water pitcher to serve water, as a mix or a chaser with a drink. The popularity came to this country, (USA), in the 1950's, when the Liquor Salesmen gave them to the Bar Owners and Liquor Stores, as a token to advertise their products. For several years, Federal Laws have forbidden free products to promote liquor products. However, such items like these can be purchased from Distillers, Distributors, or Specialty Shops today. Pub Jugs date from the turn of the century to the present day. Some of the earlier jugs were made by Doulton of England, as is the example on this page. The materials used to make these is glazed pottery, glass, metal, and plastic. The shapes vary as simple pitchers to a head or bust of a person or objects like a bottle, powder horn, or the headgear of a Knight. The logos of brands of liquor from different companies are on these to advertise their spirits. Whiskies such as, Irish, Scotch, Canadian, and Bourbon head the list followed by Gin, Vodka, Rum and Cognac. The most popular brands are, Cutty Sark, White Horse, Johnnie Walker, Wild Turkey, Beefeaters, and Smirnoff. The makers of these jugs were, Hall China and others in the USA and Wade and Staffordshire of England. Other makers are in France, Sweden, Ireland, and Scotland. Italy produced many from companies named Piola, and Euroceramics. The popularity of Collecting Pub Jugs and related items has been on the increase. These can be found in various places as, Flea Markets, Antique Malls, Garage Sales, and now on the World Wide Web. HAPPY COLLECTING, Back to Home Page