Item 9601
 
Coming to you from Doc's Crocks is this early 2 Gallon Tabletop Churn stamped, "C. J. Merrill."
 
This is the mark of Calvin J. Merrill, one of Ohio's earliest potters who worked in Springfield Township and Middlebury, Ohio in the 1830's to 1850's. He mainly worked alongside his more famous brother, E. J. Merrill, but did work independently for a time as this churn attests (F. Robert Treichler, A History of Northeast Ohio Stoneware, pp. 30-33).
 
Made around 1850, this churn has a Finely Tooled Rim with Inner Lid Seating Ring, Cobalt Accenet on the Front of the Handles, and the Pottery Stamp Accented in Cobalt on the Front. Stands 12" tall.
 
Good Condition.  Three narrow chips inside the rim (1/2" to 1 1/2"), a 1" chip and small chips around the outside of the rim and base, and a T-shaped hairline on the bottom of the right side that wraps under as a faint Y on the bottom (closeup).  No stains or restoration. A stone ping behind the right handle in the making. 
 
Ships double-boxed, insured, and FREE