Question:
I found this 15 gallon crock. I think it’s a salt glaze because of the darker color (tan). It is 18 1/2 inches tall and the 15 is in blue and measures 3 inches across and length. Is this an Elephant ear pattern? It is dark inside almost black. I’ld say a really dark brown. Beautiful lines on the inside. The crock has no cracks in it. The handles are chipped on both sides though. What is the year of the crock and the value. Oh, I almost forgot the Pattern is in black. Thanks Sharon

Answer: Sharon, you have a Minnesota Stoneware Company 15 gallon Elephant ear transition crock. These crocks were produced between the salt glaze and zinc glaze era. Sometime between 1895 & 1900. If it had the oval below the elephant ears the value would be higher. With the handle chips, $700 to $800. Al Kohlman