Vintage 12 Gallon Red Wing Stoneware Crock #172

In 1877, the first Red Wing Stoneware factory was established in Red Wing, Minnesota. As soon as a year later the company would gain notice for their “beautiful and useful” house and kitchen wares.

Stoneware was the predominant houseware in most American homes in the 19th century.

The pottery is made of clay and fired at incredibly high temperatures (up to 1315° Fahrenheit). This process essentially turns the clay into stone, hence the name.

Measuring almost eighteen inches tall, this is a 12 gallon crock. It has a beautiful bone-white semi-glossy finish on the inside and outside.

There is a heavy wire that runs around the crock underneath the slightly overhanging rim.

There are also two handles attached to either side of a steel screw protruding the crock. The sides of the handles are wire while the top features a turned wood piece making it easier to lift.

We would not recommend lifting the crock by the handles as they are slightly worn.

There are several maker’s marks painted on the front of the crock, the first of which reads “12” in a quaint, swirly font and a soft shade of navy blue to indicate the size of the crock in gallons.

Below the “12” you will find the traditional “Red Wing” logo, which is just that, a sienna-red wing with its feathers outstretch. Red Wing Stoneware continues to use this mark on manufactured items today.

This is followed by the traditional hallmark which reads “Red Wing Union Stoneware Co., Red Wing, Minn.” inside an oval. This is rendered in the same blue as the “12”.

The final mark can be found near the left handle and reads “Patented, Dec. 21 1913”.

Of course, the finish shows expected wear and light spotting, but this gives the crock that lightly aged, vintage look that collectors covet. Overall, it remains in very good vintage condition.

There is a glaze crack down the back, but it isn't into the actual stoneware.

This beauty is an absolute treasure for collectors and decorators alike. It is such a picture-perfect representation of classic American stoneware; we know you’ll love it as much as we do.

Measurements: 17 3/8” tall, 15 ¾” deep, 20 ¼” wide (handle to handle), Rim is 17” in diameter, Weight: 48 lbs.

Item ID: 6287