This is a large antique salt glaze stoneware flask most probably made by Murray Pottery in Glasgow (Caledonian Pottery).
It takes the form of the head of the cobbler, Souter Johnnie. He featured in the celebrated narrative poem by the Scottish poet, Robert Burns, "Tam O'Shanter". The flasks are based on the life-size sculptures made by James Thom (1802-1850) in 1830. These are now on display in Souter Johnnie's cottage in Kirkoswald.
The Thom's carvings of the Souter Johnie and his drinking companion Tam O'Shanter were taken on an exhibition tour of Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London. They were received with great approval, and instigated a buoyant market for souvenirs, household articles, and decorative items based on the original models.
I have two of these rare stoneware flasks or flagons available in my store.
This is the smaller of the two. It is still a nice large size and a most decorative item. Again, it is a rarer piece of Victorian Scottish Pottery. I think that is was also made at the Murray Pottery in Glasgow (but with no maker's mark) as it is a near smaller twin to my another one with the impressed maker's stamp.
My flask is in great condition with no damages of any kind.
It measures 8 inches in height. From handle to the tip of the nose is 8 inches. The diameter of the base at the widest point is just over 7 inches. Unpacked it is 1.6 kg in weight.
It would be sent to you with Royal Mail Tracked, Medium Parcel post. Please select a signed for service so that I can apply insurance to the parcel in transit. This will be applied to your order at checkout.