Question:
We were wondering if you could help us identify the age & value of a Union Stoneware Co. 20 gal crock? Attached is a website with 9 pictures, so hopefully you can view. It even has the handprint of a worker embedded in the glaze as they picked it up before it was dry. You should be able to cut & paste this web page into your browser. Let me know if it doesn’t work. Tom

http://picasaweb.google.com/natedawg414/Crock?feat=email#

Answer: Tom, you have a 20 gallon Minnesota Stoneware Company crock that was produced between 1895 & 1906 or there abouts. I see a large spider type crack in the side and it must extend into the bottom. Also, there is a glaze imperfection in the front of the crock by the 4 leaves. Both of these flaws will affect the value. Value around $100. Al Kohlman