Puzzle jugs were designed to make it difficult for the drinker to drink from them, unless he/she knew their secret. When the jug was tilted all the holes but one had to be stopped up, or liquid flowing up the hollow handle would spill out in all directions. This puzzle jug features the following inscription:
'Gentlemen now try your Skill I'll hold your Sixpence if you Will That you dony drink unless you spill'.

Source: Peter Davey, Buckley Pottery (Buckley Clay Industries Research Committee, 1975).