Question:
Hello, I am a small-time collector and recently joined the RWCS. I recently heard of a 50 gal. Wing crock and am talking with the owner. I have not seen it yet, but he tells me it has a "crack" about one third of the way down a side, and "spider" cracks in the bottom. I know nothing regarding size or severity, and he has not mentioned any other damage. I guess I’m interested in knowing what an expert might consider a "ballpark" value for a piece such as this. I know this is pretty vague, but I really have no idea even where to begun thinking in terms of value. I would appreciate any help you could give me. Thanks. -Ray

Answer: Ray, 50 gallon wing and birch leaf crocks are tough to find, and in mint condition with excellent markings they can fetch $3000. Now a spider type crack is one thing, but a crack about 1/3 the length of the crock is another. If the crock has good markings and the crack is tight, I think the value would be in the neighborhood of $700 to $1000. Al Kohlman