Question:
I just purchased this 8 gallon crock it has the word special above the 8 the word special is under the glaze. It is cracked in the front and a couple of hairlines in the back it. I am wondering if you have seen any like it or why it was made and a value?

Answer: I have seen these crocks with the "special" stamped on them. The 8 gallon seems to be the most common found. In mint condition the value is close to $200. With your hairline the value would be about half ($100). I do not know why these crocks were manufactured with the word " special" on them, but I do know they where manufactured between 1936 & 1947. So it was a later order by some company who had a SPECIAL use for them. Al Kohlman