Question:
I have this 15 Gal crock with formed handles & black glaze on the interior. It is in perfect condition except for a chip on the left handle. I am not knowledgeable about crocks so I do not know what the black glaze inside is for. Can you tell me the approximate value? Thank you. Marge

Answer: Marge, you have a very primitive 15 gallon Minnesota Stoneware salt glazed leaf crock. The black glaze on the inside is called Albany slip. The Albany slip was a glazed use to keep the liquids (from use) on the inside of the crock from seeping though the porous clay. The Albany slip was shipped to Red Wing Minnesota from Albany, New York and was always used to line the inside of these salt glaze crocks. Value on your piece with the chip on the left handle would be between $700 & $900. Al Kohlman