Question:
Hi, I picked up a piece of pottery at a garage sale. The piece stands 7 inches tall and is 6 inches across the bottom. It looks similar to a bean crock, but the lid is missing. It has a chip on the side. It reads "Minnesota Stoneware Company Red Wing Minnesota" What can you tell me about it. Picture attached. (I sent this in before, but must have done something wrong. Trying again. Thank you for your time.)

Answer: You have a Minnesota Stoneware Company wax sealer. These were the early canning jars before the glass mason jars came about. A tin lid would fit into the top grove and hot wax was poured over the lid to seal the contents inside. In mint condition they have a value between $40 & $50 if signed. The chip will reduce it’s value by $15 to $20. Al Kohlman