May 31, 2025

The World of Churchill Collectables

By BRIAN KRAPF

The month of June 1940 is noteworthy for the delivery of two of Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s most remembered speeches. On 4 June 1940, he delivered his “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” speech before the House of Commons. On 18 June 1940, he delivered his famous “Finest Hour” speech, again before the House of Commons. This Toby jug was made by the British porcelain company Beswick in 1940 to commemorate Churchill’s “Beaches” speech.

The handle is uniquely shaped like a lion, whether to represent England or the Prime Minister himself.  The Toby is usually found without the top head portion. Given its precarious nature, the head has fallen off and been damaged on most examples that come to market. While it is always nice to own a complete example, never let the absence of the top dissuade you from buying an example. Given that the head portion is so rarely seen, many without it have made their way into many salerooms and collections. 

Brian Krapf’s book A Churchill Treasury: Sir Winston’s Public Service through Memorabilia was published in 2024 and is available in the UK and North America.