Question:
Hello. I was so glad to find your site. I know very little about stoneware, but am eager to learn. The jug is 16 1/2" high and 10" in diameter at the base. The sides are flared, not strait from the base to where it cures. The opening itself is 1 1/2", it measures 2 1/4" with the total lip and opening. It appears to be the number 8 on the side with curvey lines that extend from the middle of the 8. There is a small brownish dripping near the 8 figure and another dripping brownish/green on the opposite side, about the same distance down from the top of the jug. From reading I have done on your site, I understand that drippings do not mean it is Red Wing. I think, but do not know , if it is a salt glaze. I am hoping you can tell me more about the piece. Although I live in New York State, I purchased the jug at an auction and was told it came from an estate in Wisconsin. I thought it was a nice piece, and something about it was appealing. It is larger than most jugs I have seen. I hope the pictures help, I know my description is not very good. I would like to know more about the jug, and of course if I made a good buy, or am just the village idiot. I suppose both could be true. Regardless, I like the jug. Thank you for any help you can provide. All The Best, Randy

Answer: Hello Randy. Looking at your jug, I can tell you it is a salt glazed jug, but not Red Wing. It most likely is an Eastern jug. What is amazing is the size of your jug. Eight gallons is extremely large for a Salt Glazed jug. Most of the midwestern jugs came in either 3, 4, or 5 gallon size and Eastern Stoneware you see mostly 2 & 3 gallon jugs. Only on a special order where larger jugs ever made. So even though it is not Red Wing, it is quite unique. Al Kohlman