After tracking the prices of Royal Doulton jugs for the past six months, using dealers websites, land and internet auctions, it became obvious that the jug market was alive and well. The downward trend in prices has stopped, certainly there are moments, especially on internet auction sites where bargains appear, but overall prices are steady to slightly higher. Although it is doubtful we will see the glory days of the late 1990s and early 2000s again, we should expect a modest rise in prices over the next year or two. All bodes well for Royal Doulton Jug market.
The 10th edition is down 10% in page count from the 9th edition as we tightened up the book, while adding 26 new issues. Since our costs are in Canadian dollars, the strength of the Canadian dollar has resulted in our having to adjust the cover price in the different markets.
New to the 10th edition are three new series: First World War Military Leaders, six in the series, limited to 100 jugs each; Myths, Legends and Fantasies, four in the series, limited to 250 jugs each; and U.S. World Wars, four in the series, limited to 350 jugs each. The character jug General MacArthur has been added to the Great General Series, and the Character Jug of the Year for 2007 and 2008 were Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles respectively, limited to their year of issue. The complimentary International Collectors Club jug for 2007 was the North Staffordshire Fife Player and for 2008 the Nurse.
New images, information and colour variations have been added to Harry Simeon s Best Is Not Too Good variety of stoneware jugs and derivatives.
The addition of 26 new jugs by Royal Doulton in a two-year period certainly does not stretch the pocket book, which makes for a better outlook for the future.
