Question:

Greetings,

The attached pictures are of a Red Wing 20 gallon crock that my dad had.  It is not in perfect shape.  As you can tell, it has two cracks on the front, left side.  The two cracks intersect each other.  Then, on the back is another crack from the top to about 3/4 of the way down.  My dad put a wire around the top  to make sure it stayed together, but I am not sure if it is needed.  

My guess is that this is a rare crock, but in its condition, the value is likely decreased.    I need to know if anyone that collects crocks would be interested, or should I just go ahead and use it on my patio for a plant holder?  What would it be worth?

Thanks so much for your review of this crock.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can provide any further information or pictures.

Paula

Answer:

Paula, your father has a Red Wing front stamped 20 gallon salt glazed crock with a single P with ribs decoration.   If it were in perfect condition, the value would be between $1500 & $2000 to the right collector.  However, the damage on this crock is quite severe.  In today’s market, I would place the value between $300 & $500.  That crack in the back is what really lowered it’s value.

Being in KS, shipping would be expensive and with the damage, I could see your father’s crock in pieces by the time it arrived in the upper Midwest. Now if you were going to the Red Wing Convention in Red Wing, MN. next week, then I think you would be able to find a collector for the value I have given you.  Otherwise, it would make a gorgeous planter.   Hope this helps.  Al Kohlman