Question:
Hi there, Can you please give me the rough date and value of this crock? It says Union Stoneware in the oval and on the bottom it has Minnesota Stoneware, Red Wing, in raised letters. Thanks very much! Bob

Answer: Your crock was manufactured by the Minnesota Stoneware Company sometime between 1895 & 1906. I would say the 1895 date would be much closer. I can’t tell from the photo if the outside of your crock is salt glaze or not. From what I can see of the inside it has been glazed with an Albany slip. This tells me your have a very early crock. If your 2 gallon elephant ear crock is salt glaze and in mint condition, the value could hit $2000. If it is a zinc glaze piece with an Albany slip interior, the value would be in the range of $150 to $200. I think it would be wise to have someone with a good knowledge of Red Wing to physically look over your piece for a better idea of it’s true value.

The RWCS is hosting a Red Wing Pottery Road Show on May 15th in Red Wing, MN at Pottery Museum. They will have a number of experts available to help you. Contact the RWCS Business Office at 800-977-7927 to learn more.

Al Kohlman