Question:
Please tell me the value, age, and anything else you can about my 10 gallon self draining jar. It has a barely visible 2 inch x-shaped crack in the side and 3 small chips in the bottom edge. Is it true that even hair-line cracks take the value down 50% ? Do chips take the value down that much too? Thanks. Mary

Answer: Mary, your 10 gallon Red Wing self drainer was produced between 1920 & 1930 or so. An yes, in today’s market, hair-line cracks can take the value down by 50%. All depends on where the hairlines are located and how large. Hairline cracks will lower the value more than chips. Again we look at how large (chips or cracks) & location (front of crock verses rear). Also a self drainer carries a lower value than a water cooler. Value on your 10 gallon self drainer in it’s condition and 4 1/2" wing is between $300 & $400. Al Kohlman