Fine Three-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Churn, Stamped "BM", Billy Merritt, Crawford County, GA origin, late 19th century, ovoid churn with flared collar and open strap handles, the surface covered in a mottled green alkaline glaze with iron spotting. Impressed "BM" and "3" on opposing handles. Appealing form. Provenance: Dr. Raymond L. Owen. An approximately 3 1/2" Y-shaped crack at base, continuing approximately 4 1/2" onto underside. A 1 5/8" horizontal surface line in collar, which occurred in the firing, not visible on the interior. A small rim chip. Two in-the-firing separations on underside, not visible on interior, the larger measuring 1 3/4".