Gurgling Cod Pitcher Value Guide

Gurgling Cod White Ceramic Pitcher Boston Shreve Cump and Low Company England 80s at 1stDibs | shreve gurgling cod, gurgling cod water pitcher, gurgling cod history
Gurgling Cod Pitcher
Estimated Value
$200 – $250
Period
1980s
Origin
England
Materials
Ceramic
Category
Gurgling jug

The Gurgling Cod Pitcher, famously known as the Gluggle Jug, is a whimsical ceramic vessel designed in Staffordshire, England, that produces a distinct 'glug' sound when poured. This 1980s white ceramic edition gained iconic status in the United States through its association with the prestigious Boston jeweler Shreve, Crump & Low.

What Is Gurgling Cod Pitcher Worth?

The typical price range for Gurgling Cod Pitcher is $200 - $250 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Condition of the ceramic, as chips or cracks in the tail can prevent the air-trap from creating the gurgling sound.
  • Presence of original branding or retail marks from Shreve, Crump & Low, which increases desirability for US collectors.
  • The clarity and volume of the 'glug' sound produced during pouring.
  • Market demand for the classic white colorway compared to more common modern colored variants.

How to Identify Gurgling Cod Pitcher?

  • Look for the distinctive hollow tail design which traps air to create the signature gurgling sound.
  • Check for the 'Shreve, Crump & Low' or 'Made in England' stamps often found on the base of authentic 1980s imports.
  • Examine the ceramic glaze for a smooth, high-shine white finish characteristic of the mid-to-late 20th-century production.
  • Verify the fish shape features detailed scales and a curved tail that acts as the handle.

History of Gurgling Cod Pitcher

The Gurgling Cod Pitcher, also known as a Gluggle Jug, originated in Staffordshire, England, in the 1870s. These whimsical fish-shaped jugs were designed to create a gurgling sound due to air escaping through the tail when liquid is poured. They gained significant popularity in the United States when Shreve, Crump & Low, a prominent Boston-based jeweler, began importing and selling them in the mid-20th century, cementing their status as a classic collectible.

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