Appleton Valley Churn - 5 gallon EC MERRILL & CO DEPERE WIS

Salt glazed and decorated 5 gallon stoneware butter churn with an unusually large rim, possibly from Appleton - Menasha, Wisconsin area. It is stamped and highlighted with cobalt "EC MERRILL & CO DEALERS IN STONE-WARE DEPERE, WIS." Signed pieces are rare with just a handful of them known. The fact that it was commissioned by a DePere merchant is further evidence that these pieces were made in the northeastern Wisconsin area. This churn was made in the 1860's based on the dates that Edward Merrill & H.I Wheeler operated their mercantile store under this name from 1868 to 1870 when Wheeler opened his own store across the street. This piece sold at auction in 2009.