1800s Cobalt Dec. SALT GLAZE CHURN w/ Huge Bird WHITES

Up for auction is this outstanding cobalt decorated saltglazed churn, circa 1875-85. It was expertly handturned and decorated in New York, and is signed at the top-front.."WHITES UTICA" above a large number 5 for the gallonage. It has what I believe is the original lid / dasher guide. The front is adorned with huge cobalt bird perched on a triple floral---both signature Whites decorations. This piece has a nice glossy finish to the salt glaze and the cobalt is under glaze, however it is very clear with NO DESIGN FRY or BLOWOUT. This is pretty scarce in itself for piece with such heavy, elaborate decoration. The churn stands 17 1/2 inches tall...not counting the lid. Now the best part...this specimen is nearly perfect. The only problem is the ancient shallow chip you see on front of rim. As you can see, it is dull and worn smooth. There is some similar shall roughness on one spot on the dasher guide. Please see all pics as they really are an accurate representation. On the base I tried to show an extremely faint silver dollar-sized spider. It won't show up in pic, does not go through the base, and seems to be more a crazing in glaze. Barely worth noting but I must. Other than these minor issues the churn is truly in super condition. There are NO CRACKS or REPAIRS of any kind!

       I have collected saltglaze pottery for decades and I purchased this piece directly off an 1830s farm in Vermont about 30 years ago. It has been in my house ever since and has never been offered for sale since I acquired it. The next owner will be very pleased as this beauty is better yet in person. I have put a reserve on this churn but it is VERY LOW...maybe half of market value.

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I'll provide expert packing w/ double box, foam peanuts and bubble-wrap at no charge!

Lucky buyer pays 30.00 in sh/ins--I'll cover anything over that!

     If you're a serious collector---or know one---you know that pieces like this don't come along very often. Enjoy the auction and good luck if you take a shot at this piece!