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Toby jugs were made from at least 1785. The form is based on the story of Toby Philpot, a well-mannered boor whose indulgence in ale and tobacco led to his death. He was buried and, having returned to dust, a potter is said to have dug up the earth and ‘with part of fat Toby he form’d his brown jug’. This example is a variation known as 'Thin Man'.