Question:
I have a 6 gallon elephant ear crock that I purchased at an auction. It has a chip on one handle a couple glaze skips and two small 1/8th size chips, one on the the rim, and one on the bottom. The oval says minnesota stoneware co. red wing minn. in black ink. It also looks to be a hand turned piece . Could you please tell me the history and value of this piece.

Answer: Your 6 gallon Elephant Ear crock was manufactured by the Minnesota Stoneware Company in the early days of zinc glaze (1895 or soon after). The value in Mint condition is in the area of $1,200 to $1,400. The chips will reduces it value somewhat. Still a tough piece to find with that oval. Al Kohlman