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This is a plunger churn, which is a dairy implement for making butter. This came to the museum as part of the Sharp collection.

1 churn [with plunger and lid]: wood [oak] and metalA conical churn made from 12 staves held together by three metal bands. A fourth band in the middle is missing. The bottom band forms a base for the churn. The wooden lid (2cm thick) fits into the top of the churn and rests on a lip. There is a hole in the centre which is strengthened by a wooden collar. The plunger handle is broken and is attached to a wooden disc which has six pieces 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 conical churn made from 12 staves held together by three metal bands. A fourth band in the middle is missing. The bottom band forms a base for the churn. The wooden lid (2cm thick) fits into the top of the churn and rests on a lip. There is a hole in the centre which is strengthened by a wooden collar. The plunger handle is broken and is attached to a wooden disc which has six pieces cut out of it. Use: For making butter by working the plunger up and down.’

Wood, oak, Metal