Question:
My mother in law says this was her mother in laws crock and we are wondering the history of it. I’ve done some reading here and elsewhere but thought I’d go to the experts for definitive information. Thank you.

Answer: Your mother in-laws Red Wing zinc glaze crock is one of the early ones. Red Wing Stoneware Company used the birch leaves when they switched from the salt glazed era to the zinc glazed phase. The red wing which you see on so many of the pieces was not developed until 1909. Also, your mother in-laws 5 gallon crock has the 1st Red Wing oval (called the ski oval). With all of this information put together, it tells me that your piece here was manufactured between 1895 & 1909. Hope this helps. Al Kohlman