Old Charley toothpick holder designed by Charles J. Noke and produced by Royal Doulton of Burslem, England, from 1940 to 1960. Old Charley personifies the night watchman of Old England. Before a regular police force was created, it was his job to patrol the streets during the night. He would call out the hours and the weather, as for instance: "Ten o'clock of the night; the night is fine; all's well." From about the 17th century, a night watchman was popularly known as a Charley after his origination under the reign of Charles II, just as policemen were later on nicknamed Bobbies, when Sir Robert Peel installed a police force in London in 1829. Note the lid in the top of the tobacco jar.
Maker:
Royal Doulton
England
1940 - 1960
Model #:
D6152
Derivative
toothpick holder
Size:
small
Height:
2 1/4"