Question:
I inherited a 12 Gal Red Wing Elephant Ear crock with the Union Oval from my grandfather. It has a small chip in the handle and another on the rim, otherwise in fine shape. I am curious of the age and the value. Janna

Answer: Janna, your 12 gallon Elephant ear crock was manufactured by the Minnesota Stoneware Company between 1895 & 1906. The Minnesota Stoneware Company produced both birch leaf and elephant ear (I think they are elm leaves) pieces. However, the number of elephant ear pieces to birch leaf is about 1 to 10, so there numbers are much lower than the birch leaf ones. Also, the markings on the elephant ear pieces most times are darker and clearer than the birch leaf. Because of what I said above, the elephant ear pieces have a much higher value than the birch leaf pieces. Also, you do not see as many 12 gallon elephant ear crocks, so their values are a little higher than some of the other elephant ear crocks. With the small damage, the value is between $350 to $375. If your crock were perfect, the value would be a little higher. Very nice piece. Al Kohlman