Royal Doulton The Highwayman Large Character Jug D6501 Appraisal

Royal Doulton 'The Highwayman' Large Character Jug (D6501)

This is a vintage Royal Doulton character jug titled 'The Highwayman,' model D6501, designed by Max Henk. The jug is crafted from high-quality glazed earthenware and stands approximately 7 inches tall. It features a stylized bust of a masked bandit, characterized by a dark forest green tricorn hat and a matching neck scarf. A prominent glossy black domino mask covers the upper half of the face, contrasting with the detailed flesh-toned skin and orange-brown eyes. The figure boasts a stylized handle, typically depicting a pistol or similar thematic icon, which is partially obscured in this angle. The craftsmanship shows deep, expressive molding with high-gloss finishes typical of the mid-20th-century production run, specifically produced between 1959 and 1982. In terms of condition, there is visible wear to the paint on the chin strap or lower beard area, revealing white ceramic underneath the dark finish, and a small chip or paint loss on the mustache. There is no major structural cracking visible, but fine crazing to the clear overglaze is common for pieces of this age. Accompanied by what appears to be a vintage postcard or promotional photo, this piece represents a classic examples of English decorative pottery from the post-war era.