Five-Gallon Stoneware Butter Churn

[Lillian Dunbar]

I had a vague idea that it was somewhere in the house I inherited. I found it today when cleaning out the sun porch. My parents got it at an auction in the mid-1970s. It's in great shape - no cracks or chips and it has the original wooden dasher which stands 3' 9" tall. No marks other than the blue 5 on the side.

I sent the photos to a local antique dealer and he said because if the pristine condition, it wasn't an antique, just a good reproduction that was popular in the 1970s. And added that the dasher wasn't authentic because real antique churn dashers had a ceramic lid, not wood, and the one I had was probably one made to fit when the original got broken. He offered me $30.

If I remember, my parents paid quite a bit for it (around $100) and figuring on inflation, that would be around $450 in today's money. So, from the photos - is it an antique or a reproduction? If I were to put it up for sale, what would be a reasonable price to ask? Thanks.

[tomsantiquesetcetera]

I have to agree with the antique dealer on this.  There should be wear and tear along the rim from years of churning. Also, it originally had a ceramic top, not wood.  The "5" looks like the same one on RRPC wares, but is lacking a complete number with 2 leafs, a logo, and RRPC's logo.  Yours has the shape and handles of those made in N.Carolina. RRPC I think is in Michigan or Minnesota.

I used to calculate discounted paper for a living.  Based on your figures, $100. cost in 1975 and a value of $450. today would result in a 3.40 interest rate over the 45 years. (The IRS uses 7.0%) Your assumption is logical however there are hundreds of similar churns for sale for $50. to $250.

It is unscrupulous for an antiques dealer to appraise an object then offer to buy it.

[Lillian Dunbar]

Thanks, Tom. Perhaps I misunderstood what he said. He may have meant if he had it he'd offer it for $30.

[tomsantiquesetcetera]

I tried to edit my earlier reply but apparently it got timed out.

Antique dealers try to buy items at 1/4th of their value (or more). He/she appraised it at $30.00. Multiplied by 4 =$120. value.

If you want to sell it, start it low and hope the auction goes higher. Or start it high, and hope somebody buys it; if they don't relist it for a lower price. Time is money

[Molly]

https://www.icollector.com/A-five-gallon-Medalta-butter-churn-with-...