Antique Adams England Lorna Doone Biscuit Barrel Cookie Jar

This is a biscuit barrel or cookie jar made by William Adams & Sons (Potters) of Tunstall and Stoke. It is decorated with an illustrated scene taken from the book Lorna Doone by Richard D Blackmore, first issued in 1869. It is marked on the underside with the Adams backstamp that was used from 1896 until the 1920s - what is curious about this stamp is the lack of the word England, which was mandated by law after 1891. The illustrated scene, which appears on both sides, is titled John & Lorna Interview Sir Ensor Doone. It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks or crazing - the rattan handle however has some dark patina that almost looks like charring. It measures 6 3/4 in height including the lids finial but excluding the rattan handle, and has a diameter of 6 1/4 across its base. The pottery is quite thick and substantial so the piece weighs 3 lbs.
This is a wonderful antique biscuit barrel - lovely display piece especially if you are a fan of Lorna Doone!