Question:
I purchased a 2 gallon Red Wing crock at an auction in Minnesota about 30 years ago. What intrigued me then was that the markings are not in the typical order (i.e., **gallon size, red wing, then blue oval ‘Red Wing… et al’ stamp**); it is stamped as follows: **gallon size [2], blue oval ‘Red Wing, Union Stoneware Co., Red Wing, Minn.’ and then the red wing**. I was told by the seller that the stamping plate was improperly positioned, and that ‘defective’ crocks such as these are usually destroyed. The crock is still in almost perfect condition / not even a hairline crack. Could you please provide an approximate value? (Sorry, not able to provide a picture at this time.) Thank you!

Answer: Your two gallon Red Wing crock is called a reverse oval. This may have been an imperfection, however, there are quite a few of these around. Therefore I do not believe the Red Wing pottery discarded these do to the reverse of the wing & oval. If these reverse ovals are very cleanly marked and in mint condition, they can fetch anywhere from $100 to $125. Al Kohlman