American Toby Jug Museum 

The Poacher liquor container designed by Max Henk and produced by Royal Doulton of Burslem, England, circa 1960 commissioned by W. Walklate. Fishing and hunting in England is highly restricted and those wishing to practice these sports must be registered and in possession of legal permits. This does not, however, deter the few who make their living by trespassing on private property in quest of fish or game despite often severe penalties if caught. A sly and devious character, the poacher uses the cover of night to go about his illicit business. Tickling a trout is an art he has brought to great perfection. Wearing a large coat with a "poacher's pocket" in which to conceal his ill-gotten gains, he sits silently by the bank, luring the trout with his fingers and then, gently stroking its sides, he persuades it to stay still until, in a flash, he can seize it from the water to add to the rest of his illegal bounty. A trout forms the handle of this liquor container.