Hard to say if that's an "I" or part of an "M".
If it's an "I", it could be any number of words like Virginian,etc. assuming it's the end of a word.
Is there enough space between the "N" and the "U"(if it is a U) to be a second word or is what's above LOUIS from one word ? I was wondering if that word might be MANUFACTURER ?
There does seem to be enough space after LOUIS to not be part of Louisiana or Louisville, etc. (maybe)
Did you find this in Kentucky ? Your location may help if it was found locally.
I tried Googling various combos of the above along with crockery/bottle/stoneware but had no success.
Fun to try and figure out though.
Jay