- Study the crock’s design – Many antique crocks, like the one featured above, were often decorated with cobalt blue designs. ...
- Try to identify the age – There are certain marks that can tip you off to your crock’s age. ...
- Do you research – If you have a crock you’re unsure of, look it up online! ...
How can you tell how old a crock is?
A legible maker’s mark, or stamp, will provide useful clues for determining a crock’s age and value. Generally found on the crock’s bottom, a maker’s mark can simply be the manufacturer’s name. Or, the mark may appear as a letter, symbol, or logo.
How do you identify an antique stoneware Crock?
The easiest way to identify an antique stoneware crock is through its salt-glazed finish, which is light colored with a grey tinge, rough and pebbled. Crocks that have the same salt glazing on the inside predate 1800, according to information from the Museums of West Virginia.
What are the characteristics of an antique Crock?
An antique crock typically has a thick structural wall, often with a telltale bow in the center. Antique crocks feature very simple freehand-painted decorations, usually executed in cobalt blue ink.
What do the marks on a crock mean?
Generally found on the crock’s bottom, a maker’s mark can simply be the manufacturer’s name. Or, the mark may appear as a letter, symbol, or logo. Some manufacturers impressed their name on the crock’s side with a side wall stamp. If a master artist crafted the crock, he would usually sign the bottom of the vessel.
How do I price old crocks?
0:052:31How to Determine Value of Antique Crocks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDollars another croc that i can show you the ones that have a little bit more cobalt decoration onMoreDollars another croc that i can show you the ones that have a little bit more cobalt decoration on them here this croc is around 350. Dollars it's a larger crock with a lot of cobalt on.
How can you tell if a stoneware jug is antique?
Identifying Antique Stoneware and Finding Comparable PricesA shiny, glass-like surface with occasional bumps (salt particles)Simple hand-painted decorations (usually cobalt blue ink)Decorations were handcrafted beneath the surface of the glaze.Hand-drawn or stenciled numbers and letters.
What size is a number 4 crock?
Product informationProduct Dimensions16.13 x 16.13 x 15.65 inchesItem model number02580Customer Reviews3.7 out of 5 stars 27 ratings 3.7 out of 5 starsBest Sellers Rank#580,937 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #428 in Brewing & Fermentation FermentersIs Discontinued By ManufacturerNo4 more rows
How do you identify Robinson Ransbottom Pottery?
Logo: Robinson Ransbottom made use of a cobalt blue crown logo with a number at its center that indicates the capacity of the stoneware. Also, sometimes the logo is ingrained into the surface of the stoneware.
How do you date western stoneware crocks?
The cylinder shape of crocks wasn't mainstream until about 1860. If there is a maker's mark and pattern name on the bottom, it was made after 1810. If the word "limited" or "Ltd." is on the bottom, it was made after 1861. If the mark says "Made in" a specific country, it is likely from the 1900s.
What can I do with an antique crock?
1:072:23Uses of Antique Crocks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWho are collecting country and they'll use these crocs these open crocs. And they'll put things likeMoreWho are collecting country and they'll use these crocs these open crocs. And they'll put things like wooden. Um rolling pins in them and stack them in here they make a great display that way.
What do numbers on crocks mean?
Most crocks contain one single number that usually states the vessel's size. For example, a number “2” could mean 2 quarts or 2 gallons. The number may be painted, impressed, or stamped on the crock. The style, font, and even placement of the number can be useful in identifying the crock maker.
How big is a number 10 crock?
Product informationProduct Dimensions16.25 x 16.25 x 17.25 inchesItem Weight38 poundsManufacturerOhio StonewareASINB00ZJF1Q8GItem model number024674 more rows
What is the most valuable pottery to collect?
A tiny Ru-ware brush washer has become the world's most expensive ceramic after it was sold at Hong Kong Sotheby's for a record-breaking price. The brush washer from the late Northern Song (960-1127) went to auction at Sotheby's Hong Kong this morning and the bidding started at HK$80m.
How can you tell stoneware?
Second, let's figure out if it's earthenware or stoneware:Pick up your piece and feel the weight. If it feels pretty dense for its size, that's a good sign that it's stoneware.Look at the bottom. ... Stoneware has the "look" of hand made pottery; it has a texture to it, where earthenware does not. ... Look at your piece.
What is a 15 gallon Red Wing crock worth?
In mint condition and signed your bowl would have a value between $50 & $70.
What is a Ransbottom pottery?
By 1916 Ransbottom Pottery was the largest producer of stoneware jars in America. Around 1920, they merged with Robinson Clay Products Co.
What does the number 2 mean on a crock?
Crock Size Number. Most crocks contain one single number that usually states the vessel’s size. For example, a number “2” could mean 2 quarts or 2 gallons. The number may be painted, impressed, or stamped on the crock. The style, font, and even placement of the number can be useful in identifying the crock maker.
What is an antique crock?
Antique crocks have a distinctive appearance. Each stoneware crock displays a shiny-looking surface that results from the salt glazing process. Under the glassy finish, the crock features hand-drawn or stenciled letters and numbers. Hand-painted embellishments include flowers, animals, and specific motifs or patterns.
What is an antique stoneware crock?
Antique stoneware crocks are an intriguing slice of Americana. Estate sale shoppers love to discover these sturdy containers that were a mainstay of kitchens from the 1700s through the early 20th century. Learn how to determine an antique crock’s value, how to tell an original stoneware crock from a reproduction, ...
Why are antique crocks so valuable?
That’s often because there are more collectors for home-town pottery.
How to tell a crock's age?
The first thing to know is the different eras that housed different crocks. Understanding how crocks looked across different centuries will give you some insight into a crock’s age. Next, you should look at the specifics of the antique crock.
How much does a crock cost?
Depending on the manufacturer, the crock can have a value in the $10,000 to $25,000 range.
When were crocks invented?
American crocks were made from the 18th century to the 20th century. If you have an idea of the types of designs that were popular during each era, it can help you in your age identification.
How to identify an antique stoneware crock?
How Do You Identify an Antique Stoneware Crock? The easiest way to identify an antique stoneware crock is through its salt-glazed finish, which is light colored with a grey tinge, rough and pebbled. Crocks that have the same salt glazing on the inside predate 1800, according to information from the Museums of West Virginia.
What is the brown finish on a stoneware crock?
Newer vessels are likely to be coated inside with a brown finish known as Albany slip. Antique stoneware crocks have marks and symbols that collectors can use to trace the origins. From geometric shapes to symbols from nature, these marks are as varied as the pieces they identify. Words or initials are also common forms of stoneware identification.
Where are stoneware factories located?
In the decades following the war, Americans established stoneware factories in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The designs on each piece of stoneware provide clues to its origin and age, according to antiques appraiser Dr. Lori. These can be decorative symbols or figures, often rendered with cobalt blue glaze.
Is it hard to trace a pottery mark?
Company names usually accompany these unique marks, making it easier for the collector to date the individual piece. Pottery or stoneware marked with foreign alphabets are difficult to trace. The intrigue is often sufficient motivation to try, however, as pieces bearing these marks are frequently ancient and very rare.
