W. RIDGWAY PITCHER

Q: My husband and I bought this beautiful pitcher in a little antiques shop in Milford, Connecticut, for $150. Since then we haven't had any luck finding any information on it. On the bottom it says "Published by W. Ridgway Son & Co./Hanley/September 1st 1840."

A: Your pitcher is sometimes called the Tam O'Shanter jug. The relief-molded figures illustrate Robert Burns' poem, "Tam O'Shanter," written in 1790. It tells the story of Tam being chased by witches after a night of drinking in the pub. Ridgway first made this design in 1840. It also was made in slightly different shapes, with a different handle, and with a pewter lid. W. Ridgway was one of a series of companies with the name Ridgway in the Staffordshire district in England. William Ridgway, Son & Co. was in business at the Church Works in Hanley from c.1838-1845. An identical jug sold last year for $80, although at previous auctions it has brought $200.

SARREGUEMINES

Sarreguemines

Q: This pitcher was in a collection of my grandmother's. We have been told that it is a majolica toby jug. The word "Sarreguemines" is written on the bottom. Any information you can give us as to age, history, value, etc.?

A: You have a Sarreguemines "Puck" face jug. The porcelain factory Utzschneider and Company made ceramics in Sarreguemines, Lorraine, France, beginning about 1775. The company made majolica after 1860. "Puck" is one of several different face jugs made in various sizes. "Puck" was also made with different decorations. Your jug was probably made between c.1890 and c.1925. Value of your jug is $100 to $250, depending on size.