Rusty and Kate Donohue
Americana Antiques

Extremely rare form, made in Staffordshire England, circa 1820-1840.  Snake motif, silver resist decoration, human figure inside the base.  Some loss, one snake head broken, 9" H.

Price:  $750

Puzzle Jugs have been popular since the 18th C,. First used as fun diversions in taverns, often with an inscribed verse exhorting the drinker to place a wager that he could drink from the jug without spilling a drop.    There is a small hole in the bottom of the jug diverting the liquid into the hollow handle and up through the trough around the upper cup.  The key to avoiding spills is to cover all the spouts with the fingers and suck up the liquid through the handle with the mouth on the remaining hol\e.

Puzzle jugs later became popular as whimsical gifts.