American Toby Jug Museum 

King George VI Coronation character jug modeled by Zoe (Valerie) Annand and produced by Royal Doulton of Burslem, England, in a 2002 limited edition of 1,000. George VI (1895-1952), second son of George V, reigned as king of England from 1936 to 1952, having unexpectedly come to the throne when his brother, Edward VIII, abdicated the throne in favor of his love, Wallis Simpson. George VI was a popular King and in 1939 became the first British monarch to visit the United States. He showed dedication to his subjects during the Second World War, remaining in Buckingham Palace despite it receiving nine direct bombing attacks. His visits to bombed areas of East London and other parts of the country were much appreciated by the British citizens. In 1940 he instituted the George Cross and the George Medal for acts of bravery. King George VI died at the age of fifty-six and his state funeral was held at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, where he is buried. He was succeeded by his daughter, Great Britain’s current Queen, Elizabeth II. An orb, scepter, royal cloak and scroll with his coronation date form the handle of the jug.