This gorgeous carved piece would have been the lid of a butter churn I believe, with a hole in the center through which the handle of the churn would have fit. I know people get very excited about antique butter molds, but I'll take a boldly carved lid like this any day of the week! This piece comes from the collection of Richard “Smitty” Axtell (Skinner recently held an auction of many pieces from his collection in "Smitty's Eye: The Axtell Collection") of Deposit, New York, whose collection focused on American antiques especially burl and other woodenware. Really striking.
10 11/16" in diameter x 7/8" d. Very good antique condition, with just a couple of small rough spots around the rim, minor. 19th century.
