American Toby Jug Museum 

Oliver Hardy character jug colorway modeled by William K. Harper and produced by Royal Doulton of Burslem, England, in a 1995 limited edition of 3,500 commissioned by Lawleys By Post. Oliver Norvell Hardy (1892-1957), born in Harlem, Georgia, partnered with Stan Laurel to become part of probably the most popular comedy team in motion-picture history. The thin Laurel and rotund Hardy became a team in 1927. Their typical routine involved a simple set-up, which is then complicated by their zany antics. Their films are marked by expert pantomime, well-defined character and special care taken with props. They appeared in short films until 1935 and in features until 1951. Hardy made frequent appearances in straight roles without Laurel. Their best-known films included "Fra Diavolo", "Sons of the Desert", "Way Out West", and the Academy Award-winning "The Music Box". A movie camera on a tripod forms the handle of this jug.