Question:
Recently acquired a 12 gallon red wing pottery crock. It is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks. Handles are intact but also is this wire underneath the top of the crock. Is this typical or has this been added? It has the patented date of Dec. 21 st. 1915 . Any info and app. price would be appreciated. Thanks for your expertise! Liz

Answer: Liz, the wire under the rim of your 12 gallon Red Wing crock is not original. When we see wires under the rim, it is usually a sign that the crock has been cracked and here is a hairline some what on the crock. The wire is placed around the crock to prevent the hairline from getting any larger. So take a close look and I will bet you will find a very fine crack in your crock. The patented date is when Red Wing developed the handles for your crock. Your crock was manufactured between 1915 & 1930. Al Kohlman