Question:
My mom’s side of the family homesteaded in Kansas starting in about 1884. These ceramic butter jars were commonplace. One of my girlfriends loves this kind of thing and wonders about it’s history and value to a collector. It’s as fresh as the day it came out of the factory (no damage). Can you enlighten us? Mark

Answer: Mark, your mother’s 4 gallon Red Wing crock is one of the early wing pieces produced. It was manufactured between 1912 & 1915. Also having the number 4 & the oval in black ink is much harder to find than those with the blue ink. Value would be in the range of $100 if this piece is mint. Your girlfriend and myself must think alike. Enjoy the crock, it is a nice piece. Al Kohlman