Question:

Please see picture attached of this Union Stoneware Co. 5 Gallon double handled threshers jug.  Could you please share any information you may have regarding the age, scarcity, and approximate value?  I appreciate your knowledge and time.  Thanking you in advance. Cathy

Answer: Cathy, your Red Wing 5 gallon double handle beehive with just the  Union Oval was produced between 1912 to 1917 or so.  With the chip in the lid and the jug in somewhat well used condition, I would think the value would be in the $800 to $1000 range.   Al Kohlman

Question:

I recently bought this 30 gallon Red Wing Crock that does not have any bale or pressed handles.  The stamp date looks like it says 1881.  The condition is excellent (no cracks at all), but the fit & finish make me wonder if it was hand-crafted rather than casted.  Any idea on the value?  I paid $350.

Thanks,

Matt

Answer: Matt, you have the Red Wing Potteries oval. It reads “Red Wing Potteries, Inc. Red Wing Minn”.  That oval was used from 1936 to 1947.  So it is kind of funny to see that oval, yet on handles on the crock (Red Wing began placing handles on their crocks in 1915.   The crocks from 4 gallon to 30 gallon without handles are usually older than those with handles.  With all this being said, you have a newer 30 gallon than one would have thought when first seeing it.  If it is free of all chips, cracks, hairlines the value on these is between $300 &$350.  So you are in the ball park with what you paid for it.  Nice piece.  Al Kohlman

Question: -

I’m not sure if I have to be a member to receive an answer, but I’m hoping that Mr. Al Kohlman will be kind enough to answer my question.  I did some research this morning to try to find out the type of lid that was originally used to seal a “wax sealed” stoneware canning jar.  I found a jar similar to mine (my jar looks to be 1/2 gallon in size) in your “Ask the Expert” column.  The post is titled “1 gal. bottom signed Minnesota jars,” and is dated March 22, 2014.  The lids that person is using do not look original to the jars, so I read further and found out that a tin lid was used to cover the opening and that wax sealed the lid to the top of the jar.

My dark brown stoneware jar is marked on the bottom “Minnesota Stoneware Co. Redwing Minn.”  I would like to find an original tin lid to put over the jar opening, but I’m not sure who manufactured the lids.  I have stoneware Redwing Mason jars, and they use screw-on lids with milk glass liners.  I found a sample of a tin lid that doesn’t screw on in an Ebay ad and have attached a rather poor picture of it.  I believe the manufacturer is Kerr.  I’m wondering if this is the kind of lid that was originally used on the stoneware canning jars?  I’m hoping that you can let me know.  The information would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Mary Jo

Answer:

Mary Jo, you are correct with the lids on the wax sealers.  They were just a flat tin lid that was placed on the canning jar and waxed was poured over them.  Now the Red Wing Stoneware Company did not produce any of the lids that I am aware of.  I am sure the jars were produced to have lids from the hardware stores (such is Kerr & Ball) fit them.  Also, it would be my best guess that those small tin lids for the canning jars came from the hardware store as well.  I think Larry’s jugs may have these lids or if you know what you are looking for, eBay would be another great sourse.  Good luck.  Al Kohlman

Question

I hope you can give me some information on the maker and time of these two crocks. Thank You In Advance, Ron

Answer

Ron the 4 gallon salt glazed crock on the right is a Red Wing drop 8 with quotations.  It was produced between 1877 & 1895.  Value is between $200 & $250 if in perfect condition.  The 4 galloon salt glazed crock on the left would be called a lazy 8 target.  It is not Red Wing.  Not being Red Wing, I just have no idea of value or history. Al Kohlman

Question

Al,    This piece is about the same size as a 20lb. butter crock. Would it be considered a butter crock or what was its use & value? No cracks, chips or repairs. Thanks

Answer

Yes these were used for butter crocks.  They use to sell  in the $1000 range years ago.  Today $700 to $800.  Al Kohlman

Question

My parents both recently passed away, and these two crocks were in their house. My parents are originally from Minneapolis/Duluth and my grandparents owned a grocery store in Minneapolis back in the 40s-50s. I assume these came from the store. I know the pics aren’t great, and I can go back to their house to take better ones (and also of the bottoms if that helps), but I’d like to know more. I’d like to know an idea of their value, thanks Anita

Answer

Anita, the 5 gallon Red Wing crock has a value between $70 & $80 if in perfect condition.  The 8 gallon Red Wing butter churn has a value today between $700 & $800.  You might want to try Craigslist to sell your pieces. Best of luck on your sales. Al Kohlman