Question:
I am dissolving my Mom’s estate after she passed away and from the little research I have done, I have (2) fairly rare, really good condtion crocks I would like any information on and approximate values on. I am going to submit 2 inquiries, this being the first. –The first crock may possibly be a "Double Birch" 5 Gallon Crock, its marked in blue with the "Union Oval" The top line reads "Union" the middle, "STONEWARE CO." and the third line "RED WING MINN". There is a hairline fracture in it, and the rim has no chips, but a couple dark "dropping" of darker hardened clay. We found this buried the crawlspace under our VERY old home. Any information, as soon as possisble include approx value would be great. Thank you I will submit the other crock I have next. -Matthew

Answer: Matthew, you have a 5 gallon Elephant ear crock which was manufactured by the Minnesota Stoneware Company between 1895 & 1906. The hairline crack and the not fully decorated leaf will hurt it’s value. Value between $75 & $100. Al Kohlman