Rare and Fine Four-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Stenciled Cobalt Eagle Decoration, Stenciled "G.A. & J.E. McCARTHEY / MAYSVILLE, KY." and "Eagle Pottery", James Hamilton & Co., Greensboro, PA, circa 1870, semi-ovoid churn with combed midsection, flared collar, and applied lug handles, decorated with freehand stripes and vining above the stenciled advertising, "G.A. & J.E. McCARTHEY", separated by additional wavy stripes. Section below decorated with a detailed, stenciled design of a Federal eagle holding a banner in its beak, inscribed "Eagle Pottery.". Base with freehand "4" flanked by wavy stripe. Brushed cobalt highlights to maker's mark. Excellent in decoration, form, color, and crispness of stenciling. Possibly the finest example of Western Pennsylvania stenciled stoneware made for the Kentucky market that we have ever offered. A thin 5" crack from rim on reverse. A crack to collar with some short, faint lines descending from it. Horizontal crack at base on front. Tight lines in underside, one of which extends 5" up the side of the churn. Some areas of light wear to surface.
