Antique stoneware crock markings

Simple, antique utilitarian stoneware like jugs, crocks, churns, bowls, and pitchers are valued now due to how they were uniquely manufactured.

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 s through the early 20th century. Earthenware pots, crocks, and jars have a long and colorful history. Stoneware crocks appear to have originally come from France. Through the American Revolutionary War, England and Germany were the main importers of stoneware crocks. Eventually, cost and market competition spurred American potters to fire up their kilns.

Antique stoneware crock markings

Antique stoneware crocks, which were once primarily considered to be practical kitchen utensils, have now proved to be some of the most precious and prized possessions of modern-day collectors. Stoneware crocks were initially only used for the preservation of ingredients, such as pickled vegetables, butter, salted meats, and others. Additionally, they also proved to be great display kitchen utensils that added a certain intrigue and appeal to the American kitchen. These antique crocks we generally made of ceramic and were popular mainly because of their sturdiness, durability, and affordability in past centuries. Today, certain rare pieces of western stoneware have proved to be priceless because of their unique and appealing designs as well as their rich history. For starters, a stoneware crock is basically a form of the weir pottery primarily made of durable and water-tight ceramic that is responsible for giving the crock its characteristics, including strength, durability, and more! Similar to various other ceramic materials, a stoneware crock can come in numerous different shapes and sizes as the material is fairly easy to mold into whatever shape or design the maker desires. France is the country of origin for these crocks; however, the idea quickly spread to Germany and Britain, which became the leading importers of stoneware crocks during the 19th century. Most antique crocks are colored with white clay and grey salts and designed with cobalt blue decorations. Learning the vast history of western or American stoneware will certainly give you a head start in your attempt to join the massive antique crocks collecting community. The concept of antique stoneware crock originated in France, where it was only intended to be used for the storage of pickled vegetables, meats, salts, and other ingredients in the kitchen. Following the American Revolutionary War , the idea spread to England and Germany, both of which, became the main importers of western stoneware.

The ones with their original lids are worth a fair amount more than the ones missing theirs.

This 1-gallon stoneware crock has the impressed mark of Daniel Shenfelder pottery, proving it was made about in Pennsylvania. There were many small potteries making stoneware and other ceramics for use in the kitchen, bedroom or farm. Most utensils made in America by the s were made with thick pottery sides in simple shapes with almost no decoration. The most expensive examples collected today have a design or name on the crock to trace for the age and maker. But unsigned pieces are often identified when sold at auctions.

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 s through the early 20th century. Earthenware pots, crocks, and jars have a long and colorful history. Stoneware crocks appear to have originally come from France. Through the American Revolutionary War, England and Germany were the main importers of stoneware crocks. Eventually, cost and market competition spurred American potters to fire up their kilns. Several New England states, along with Ohio, jumped on the stoneware bandwagon circa the late 19th century.

Antique stoneware crock markings

Recently, I went for a field visit to an antique exhibition hall, where I spotted an old stone crock in a case. Hand-painted and embossed, this crock had many regional and incised marks that left me wondering if they meant anything more than the aesthetics! And well, my research drove me to a whole new world of old stoneware crock marks! So, if you want to decode such vintage crock marks, this is the identification guide you need! In simple terms, an antique crock is a cylindrical shale or ceramic pot for butter, meat, and veggies. But since they were handmade, each of them had some regional marks, which you can find on the following spots:. Did you know people used the first s British crocks to preserve meat and butter? But later, the Germans improved their design and added a water and bug-repellent vessel for beer and soda.

Guys with massive bulges

Look for varied words or numbers inside the classic blue crown. In stark contrast, a crock with an extremely detailed cobalt blue design can command a far higher price. In , a similar Kodak jug of the same dimensions had cracks that were professionally repaired. Thus, the designs on the crock might have a rather crude or rough appearance. If you've got a Red Wing crock, look for ones with side wall stamps and hand-drawn designs. It was easily shipped to all points west and north via the Erie and Champlain canals. Tagged with: antiques ceramics chronicle media Chronicleillinois. She co-founded the Costume Jewelry Collectors International, a global educational website. From to , this iconic finish dominated the housewares market throughout the United States. List of Partners vendors. It was made in Japan before

While we love our mason jars and cute butter trays, the antique crocks that came before them deserve a round of applause. Crocks were a vital kitchen tool that kept ingredients like butter and pickled veggies preserved for months on end.

The Lyons pottery company began in There are various reference books available with comprehensive details about antique stoneware crocks. Check Out the Crock's Design With crock designs, there's one overarching theme: if it's pretty, it'll probably sell for a lot. I agree to receive email communications from LoveToKnow. You will eventually find complementary pieces that will add huge value to your crockery collection as a whole. Use profiles to select personalised advertising. There were many small potteries making stoneware and other ceramics for use in the kitchen, bedroom or farm. Here are some antique crock makers and manufacturers you should get comfortable with before setting out on your crock-hunting adventure. In order to know which company manufactured a certain crock, you must look for antique crock markings on the piece. If you can find and read the maker's mark, you'll have a better chance of identifying how old your crock is, and, by extension, its value.