Question:
Hello, I recently started collecting red wing crocks. I don’t know much about them other than I like the looks of them. I have recently aquired a #4 gal. red wing crock with wire handles, a 4" wing, stamped Dec. 21, 1915, and in mint condition,also a #5 gal. red wing crock with wire handles (one of which the wire is broken) a 4" wing, and stamped Dec. 15, 1915, and also a #20 gal red wing crock with a 6" wing, it is cracked half way around and has a few chips that are not very big (about the size of a dime). I also got a #6 gal crock with a blue crown with the nubmer 6 inside the crown. The crown is about 4" across. I am sure that this is not a red wing but was curious as to what it is. I am wondering what the values are on these pieces and wondering if you have any insight what are the best crocks to be collecting. I like them all but if I run across one that I am unsure about if I should consider getting it because it is worth something. Like I said I am fairly new at this and only started because I came across one and was mesmerized by it. I would greatly appreciate any help that you have to offer. Thank you, Laura

Answer: Hi Laura. All of us Red Wing collectors were novices at one time and began collecting these crocks as you did….. Now you ask what are the best crocks to collect? Well, we all have different taste, so what one collector enjoys, the next may pass up. With most collectors, the older crocks with the large wings (6 inch which can be found on crocks 5 gallon and larger) are a big hit. However, if a crock is clean of cracks, chips and hairlines with balanced markings which are clear and dark, you just cannot go wrong. Now for values…… your mint 4 & 5 gallon Red Wing crocks have a value between $75 & $125. The 20 gallon Red Wing crock with the crack will be lower in value as collectors will shy away from damage. Value depending on how large the crack $40 to $70. Your 6 gallon crown crock was manufactured by the Robinson Ransbottom Pottery RRPCo in Ohio. They went out of business in 2005. There is not much of a demand for these pieces. Value $50 to $70. I myself started with Red Wing zinc glazed crocks and collected them all from 1 gallon to 60 (with lids). Today, I am up to my neck in the salt glaze pieces. However, when I see a nice clean and well marked zinc glazed Red Wing crock, I usually pick it up as they still mesmerize me as they do you. If you are not a member of the Red Wing Collector’s Society, you should really consider jointing or at least attend the Society’s Convention in July in Red Wing, Minnesota. You will meet so many wonderful collectors and the amount of Red Wing will take your breath away. I hope you enjoy your collecting as much as I do. Al Kohlman