PUZZLE JUGS

I wondered what the purpose was for this odd jug that had holes punched in the rim!  How could one either pour or drink from it without spilling?  I learned that the jugs were meant as a joke, usually on the uninformed.  They could serve as either an icebreaker or an embarrassment. The jug pictured is mine.  It is quite small, 5 inches high and 4 inches in diameter.  There are three spouts and a hole which is located in the handle.  When I tried it by covering all of the spouts and the hole,  I made quite a mess! Still, the experiment was fun.  What an excellent party game it will provide.  Antiques can be fun. See the link to a Wikipedia article for more information about puzzle jugs.

Puzzle Jug, 19th century

Puzzle Jug

Puzzle Jug handle

Phillips "Pastoral Scene" Pattern, c.1825

Standard Willow Pattern

In case you are interested, the pattern on my puzzle jug is similar to Edward & George Phillips (1822-1834) "Pastoral Scene," with the addition of a man holding a birdcage.  The border is the well-known border found on the ubiquitous Standard Willow pattern.  The lovely handle shows the Willow pattern's fence.