Claret with character thanks to a novelty jug

Alexander Crichton was the goldsmith who launched the fashion for these jugs in the early 1880s and put them on the map. His animal designs include a walrus, an owl, duck and a cockatoo.

This 11¾in (30cm) high example came up for sale at Harper Field (20% buyer’s premium) in Gloucestershire as part of a two-day sale on December 6-7.

This version, which typically features coloured glass eyes, is hallmarked for 1882 and sold for £5600.