68/45/1-3

This is a plunger churn, which is a coopered dairying implement for making butter, by churning cream. This came to the museum as part of the Sharp collection.

1 churn [with lid and plunger]: wood [oak] and metalA large conical churn made from 15 staves held together by 3 metal bands. The fourth band from the top is missing. One stave on each side is extended 5cm above the top of the churn to hold the lid in position. The lid is a circular disc of wood 1cm thick with a hole in the centre. It fits onto the top of the churn and has a collar round the hole. The plunger handle is fixed to a wooden disc which has 6 notches and 6 holes cut out of it. Other names for this type of churn are 'upright' or 'dash' churn.

The Sharp Collection of agricultural and dairying equipment was compiled by Reverend C. J. Sharp at Wonersh, Surrey. Reverend Sharp died in 1967 and the Museum acquired the Collection for £60 in 1968., MERL ‘History Artefacts’ cards - ‘CHURN, Plunger // PROCESSING Milk Butter // Source Rev Sharp // Notes: Description: A large conical churn made from 15 staves held together by 3 metal bands. The fourth band from the top is missing. One stave on each side is extended 5cm above the top of the churn to hold the lid in position. The lid is a circular disc of wood 1cm thick with a hole in the centre. It fits onto the top of the churn and has a collar round the hole the plunger handle is fixed to a wooden disco which has 6 notches and 6 holes cut out of it. Use: For making butter by working the plunger up and down through the cream.’

Wood, oak, Metal