Whispers of spring have finally arrived here on our farm after a long and bitterly cold winter! Hurray! Of course with this season "Spring Cleaning" does come to mind which inspired me to create this next offering that I hope you will enjoy.
I chose a pretty crock with a stylized wheat design in the front sporting a delicate sponge ware pattern applied on the upper edge. The delightful and soft Robbins egg blue accents makes for a special piece as this color is just scrumptious.
This crock boasts the makers mark on the bottom of "Robinson-Ransbottom" as shown in image 6. Two of the Ransbottom brothers started a pottery business out of Ironspot, Ohio in 1900 and merged with the "Robinson Clay Product Company of Akron, Ohio in the 1920's.
There is a tiny chip on the front located on the bottom edge (see image 4) but other than that this piece is in good condition and free of any cracks.
I filled this low crock with Prairie Grass that was used as a filler to accommodate the soap and brush I added inside. The name of the soap (as marked) is called "Wool Soap" done in recessed letters with two children facing each other. I added broom corn which is attached to a soft wool cord that lends color and interest. The soap is not scented. The small brush sporting a wooden handle has a desirable surface boasting warm patina with dark areas sprinkled about. The soft bristles could be fashioned from horsehair.
The other scrub brush was made from small twigs that I gathered and are secured by a piece of aged cheesecloth tied at the top. This brush nestles inside the crock and adds plenty of texture to the overall look.
Lastly, a fine pair of Child's, long stockings are also included and sport a clean and fresh buttermilk color. They are in good condition without any tears or stains in the cotton fabric. There is a very tiny hole located just above the heel on one stocking only. The toe and heel are tipped in white sateen cotton that lend a gentle two toned effect.
This fresh gathering would look splendid in a bathroom tucked in a cupboard or even in the laundry room with complimentary washboards and old irons nearby. You can even hang the Child's stockings from one of the boards as well. Just a sweet little gathering that can carry the decorating possibilities through every season with ease. Enjoy!
The crock stands 3 1/4" tall and measures 4 1/2" across the top and bottom. Soap measures almost 3" tall, 2" across (front to back) and is 3/4" thick. Little wooden brush measures 6 1/4" tall, measures 1 3/4" across the top @ the widest point and is 1/2" thick. The other scrubby brush measures 4 1/2" long, 2" across @ the widest point near the bottom and is 1/2" thick near the top. Child's stockings measure 7" tall and 2 1/2" across the top (right to left).
