Exceptional Four-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Cobalt Stenciled Eagle Decoration, Stenciled "CATLETTSBURG. POTTERY. CO.," John Dillon, J.W. Dillon, and Thomas Marr, Catlettsburg, Kentucky origin, circa 1885, cylindrical churn with applied lug handles, rounded shoulder, and flared collar with unusual rim molding, the front decorated with a stenciled spread-winged eagle between the words "CATLETTSBURG. / POTTERY. CO.". Large stenciled "4" within a diamond border above. The stenciled mark "CATLETTSBURG POTTERY CO" is a rarity in its own right; this example is made all the more unusual and desirable by the inclusion of a large stenciled eagle. This is the first example of Catlettsburg stoneware we have offered, and the only we have seen with an eagle decoration. Y-shaped hairline extending across underside, connecting to a 3" vertical Y-shaped line at base. 3 1/2" Y-shaped crack from rim on reverse. Shallow 5/8" chip on interior of rim. Thin 4" crack from rim on left side of front. Some light wear to exterior of rim. Shallow 1/2" flake to front above stenciled "4".
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