Large Staffordshire Pottery Copper Lustre 'Polka' or 'Dancers' Jug c1880

A superb large copper lustre jug embossed with figures of 19th century Polka dancers, first produced by George Ray in the 1850s; the scrolled detail around the rim and handle picked out in blue overglaze enamelling. An impressive item in excellent condition. Most copper lustre of this period is unmarked, and unusually, this piece has a raised diamond registration mark to the base, although it is indistinct. A pity as we could have pin-pointed the factory through the registration archives, had it been legible. Nevertheless, a stunning piece in exceptional order. Height to top of handle 20cm (7.9in)