Question:
Hello. I have, what I believe to be, a Red Wing 12 gallon crock and I’d like to know more about it, i.e. age, origins, care, value, is it safe to use today, etc. Stats: – 17 1/4" in diameter at widest point – 16 3/4" in height – wire handles – marked with "12", large red wing, "Red Wing Union Stoneware Co…." – marked under one of the wire handles, only partially legible "PATENTED DEC…..1915" Its overall condition is very good. There are some fissures around the top rim and a few around the base, which appear to be inherent to the piece from its firing. There is also one small chip, about the size of a nickel, at the outer edge of the top. I appreciate your time and expertise! Kind regards, Maria

Answer: Maria, your 12 gallon Red Wing crock is indeed safe to use. The patent date of "Dec 21st, 1915 is the date Red Wing used to patent their handles. Also, your crock has the 6 inch wing. This is the largest of the red wings. The wing size was reduced to 4 1/2 inches shortly after 1915. With all this being said, the time frame that your crock was make in is right around 1915. If you clean your crock up ( you can use anything from dish detergent to paint stripper and it will not hurt the finish or decorations on the crock), the value would be close to $200. Twelve gallon crocks are a little harder to find than 10′s & 15 gallon crocks. Nice piece. Al Kohlman