Question:
Hi, I have a 10 gal birch leaf crock. The 2 7/8" oval shows "RED WING" not "UNION" as most of those that I have seen with the birch leaves on them. I know that MN stoneware and Red Wing merged in 1906 and the birch leaf pattern was dropped. There are no visible cracks, chips or spider lines. Can you tell me when you think this was produced? And its value? Do you think this was one produced about the time of the merger that would cause it to have one marking from each company? Thank you for your help! Jennifer

Answer: Jennifer, your 10 gallon crock is a Red Wing crock and not a Minnesota Stoneware piece. Red Wing Stoneware Company used the birch-leaves until 1909 when the Red Wing was produced. Also, the Red Wing ski oval (1st oval produced) is another dead give away that tells me it is a Red Wing piece. The value would range between $125 & $150. If the leaves were fully printed the value would be higher. Al Kohlman