Antique Crock Values

Crocks, earth-ware pots or jars have been made for centuries, hand crafted in multiple countries around the world. It is thought crocks originated in France, although it wasn’t until the 1900’s that these stone kitchenware items were found in every American household. Crocks have many uses and continue to be used in modern day society. During the early 1900’s women would often store hand made butter or pickles in crocks. Today, many choose to use crocks as pot plants or to hold decorative items. The many timeless uses of crocks have made them increasingly popular amongst antique collectors.

Popular Antique Crock Designers

Crocks were produced by many pottery companies. Some of the most valuable crocks today were originally produced by:

• Red Wing Pottery
• Robinson Ransbottom Blue Crown
• Western Stoneware

Each of these well known pottery companies would mark the bottom of their crocks with an iconic symbol. For instance, Robinson Ransbottom would mark the base of crocks with a blue symbolic crown. While crocks from well known companies have escalated in value, crocks designed by individuals from the 1800’s can be just as valuable.

Where Can I Purchase an Antique Crock?

After reading this article, if you are interested in buying your very own antique crock you may wish to search the following online sites:

• eBay 
• RubyLane 
• Etsy 
• Prock’s Crocks and Antiques
• Auctions
• Antique Stores

If you are someone who likes to see an antique piece in person prior to purchasing it, crocks can also be found at local op shops, garage sales, estate sales and antique dealerships.

Recognizing an Antique Crock and It’s Value

A number of factors determine the value of an antique crock. When sourcing an antique item, the first instinct is to turn it over to look for markings. An antique stoneware crock will often have the company logo etched into the bottom. Crocks that were produced originally in America will feel heavy to hold unlike those produced in later years from Japan. A crock that does not feel heavy to hold may indicate that it is a replica item.

When looking at the base of a crock, also look for any numbers. The Red Wing pottery company in particular would mark each of their crocks with an identification number.

The color of the clay can also indicate the value and the producer of the crock. The Robinson Ransbottom company was well known for using yellow clay while the Weller company predominately used white clay. Furthermore the hand painted details can signify that the crock was produced during a specific time period. Crocks produced during the early 1900’s will often have a hint of art deco while those produced in earlier times feature simple lines or patterns. Crocks that have salt-glazing on the inside hint that it was produced prior to the 1800’s.

Generalization of a Crock’s Time Period

The table below lists factors that a line with a specific time period. This information can be used as a guideline when determining the age of a crock.

Prior to 1800	1900 – 1950	1950 Onwards
Complimented with simple lines and designs that are hand painted.	Often states the country of origin.	Contains the words ‘Made in’.
Often contains foreign alphabet.	Inclusion of mythological creatures that are hand painted.	Cobalt blue, hand painted designs are popular during this time period.
Salt glazing on the inside.	Company names often included.	Intricate details and a wide variety of colors.

20 Popular Antique Crocks and Their Values

A collection of popular and valuable antique crocks can be found below. Each crock is unique and often symbolizes the time period in which is was designed.
Note: All crock values discussed below are in USD.

#1 Blue Decorated Stone Wear Crock

Produced By

Hamilton and Jones – 1870’s

Size

6 Gallon

Description

A 14 and a half inch tall crock that features a native stencil design. This is a flat sided dull crock that is 12 inches in diameter.

Value

These crocks are priced between $900.00 and $975.00 USD .

#2 Blue Decorative Storage Crock

Produced By

James Hamilton & Co – 1870’s

Size

1 Gallon

Description

A crock that stands 10 inches tall and features a blue stencilled design. The stencil on this crock is only featured on one of the faces.

Value

This crock is valued at approximately $500.00 USD .

#3 Blue Stencil Decorated Crock

Produced By

Williams & Reppert Greensboro – 1880

Size

2 Gallons

Description

Produced in Pennsylvania, this is a red clay crock and features a freehand cobalt decoration.

Value

This crock is worth up to $400.00 USD .

#4 James River Valley Crock

Produced By

Stephen B. Sweeney – 1840 to 1860

Size

2 Gallons

Description

A highly valued crock that is decorated on the front and back. This crock stands 12 inches tall and features a simple ‘cloud’ design. The designer of this particular pot was very well known in the pre civil war period.

Value

This crock is worth approximately $700.00 USD  in today’s society.

#5 Rose Stencilled Crock

Produced By

Hamilton and Jones – 1870 until 1880

Size

1 Gallon

Description

Created in Pennsylvania, this crock stands 10 inches tall. This crock features a large stencilled rose in the center.  Rose stencilled crocks are highly sought after  by keen collectors.

Value

This crock is valued just under $500.00 USD .

#6 Bee Sting Stoneware Crock

Produced By

Red Wing – 1860 until 1875

Size

2 Gallons

Description

This crock has a salt glazed exterior with a cobalt blue ‘bee sting’ design. The inside of this crock has been glazed in a brown color. This crock stands 9 and a half inches tall.

Value

This crock is valued just under $200.00 USD .

#7 Red Wing Two Handled Crock

Produced By

Red Wing – 1900 until 1920

Size

5 Gallons

Description

This is a simple crock that features two handles and an open top. A fancy number ‘5’ is hand painted on this crock with the Red Wing logo. This crock is white in color. These crocks come with a numerous numbers painted on the front although often share similar values.

Value

This crock is valued at approximately $250.00 USD .

#8 Midwestern Grey and Tan Glazed Crock

Produced By

Unknown – 1875

Size

14 inches tall and 12 and a half inches wide.

Description

This crock features a grey and tan exterior while the inside is glazed with brown in color. This crock was most likely produced in the United States. This crock is glazed to give it a shiny appearance. This crock features an engraved number ‘6’ on the outside.

Value

This crock is valued at approximately $150.00 USD .

#9 Blue Print Decorated Stoneware Crock

Produced By

Connolly & Palmer – 1880 until 1890

Size

2 Gallons

Description

This crock features a cobalt blue design and includes two handles, one of each side. Standing just over eight and a half inches tall and ten and a half inches wide this is a sturdy crock that features the company name on the front.

Value

This crock is valued between $350.00 and $400.00 USD .

#10 Cobalt Clover Stoneware Crock

Produced By

Peter Henmann – 1870

Size

1 Gallon

Description

This crock features double clovers on the back and front and stands nine and a half inches tall. The clovers are hand painted in the popular cobalt blue color.

Value

This crock is valued between $200.00 and $300.00 USD .

#11 Blue Floral Spray Crock

Produced By

E & LP Norton – 1861 until 1881

Size

1 Gallon

Description

This crock features two handles and a centered cobalt blue flower. This crock is glazed brown on the inside. This is a heavy crock that measures 7 inches tall and 8 inches wide.

Value

This crock is valued between $200.00 and $300.00 USD .

#12 Frank Norton Cobalt Blue Crock

Produced By

Frank B. Norton – 19th Century

Size

3 Gallons

Description

This crock features a marking from the designers and a cobalt blue butterfly design. Standing 10 inches tall this crock has one handle on each side.

Value

This crock is valued between $250.00 and $350.00 USD .

#13 19th Century Cobalt Blue Crock

Produced By

Unknown – 19th Century

Size

3 Gallons

Description

This crock features a large raised cobalt blue design on the front and one handle on each side. Measuring just under 10 inches tall and just over 10 inches wide, this crock is speckled white in color.

Value

This crock is valued between $400.00 and $500.00 USD .

#14 Early Texas Stoneware Crock

Produced By

Wilson Pottery – Approximately 1870’s

Size

11 inches tall and 8 inches wide

Description

This piece is thought to have been created by Isaac Suttles and features tones of grey and cream. This crock has two small handles on each side that are only slightly raised from the crock surface.

Value

This crock is valued at approximately $3, 000 USD .

#15 Antique Cobalt Blue Crock with Floral Design

Produced By

Unknown – 1850’s

Size

3 Gallons

Description

This is a stoneware crock that features one large cobalt blue floral design. The inside of this crock is also glazed with a dark brown color. This is a large piece that stands over 13 inches tall and almost 9 inches wide. This fancy glazed crock also features two small handles.

Value

This crock is valued between $300.00 and $400.00 USD .

#16 Bee Sting Crock with Handles

Produced By

Unknown

Size

4 Gallons

Description

A fairly large brown crock with a blue bee sting design on the front. This crock stands 14 inches tall and 10 inches wide and features two handles. This is a salt glazed stoneware crock.

Value

This crock is valued between $350.00 and $450.00 USD .

#17 Foliage Design Stoneware Crock

Produced By

Unknown – Early to Mid 1900’s

Size

2 and a half pounds in weight.

Description

This is a salt glazed stoneware crock. This crock features a grey background with a cobalt blue design on the front. The concave neck of this crock is created by a raised rim. The inside of this crock is glazed brown and is a smaller piece measuring just over 4 inches tall and wide.

Value

This crock is valued between $300.00 and $400.00 USD .

#18 Yellow Glazed Stoneware Crock

Produced By

John Bell – 19th Century – Created in Pennsylvania

Size

Just over 6 and a half inches tall. This is a smaller crock being only 1 Quart.

Description

A highly sought after crock due to it’s unique color. This crock is signed by John Bell who operated a pottery company between 1848 and 1880. Thispiece is glazed in a mustard yellow color.

Value

Due to the unique color of this crock it is valued between $350.00 and $450.00 USD .

#19 Overall Feeding Crock

Produced By

Park & Pollard Co. – Late 1800’s

Size

This crock is 11 inches wide and 7 3/4 inches tall.

Description

A simple cream crock that features a branding logo on the front. The interior of this crock is a glazed brown color. This crock features small handles on each side.

Value

This crock is valued between $50.00 and $150.00 USD .

#20 H J Miller & Son Stoneware Crock

Produced By

H J Miller & Son – 1880’s

Size

This crock is 11 inches tall and 7 inches wide.

Description

A dark brown crock that features a cobalt blue design on the front. This crock is signed by the producer with the inside finished in a red-brown color. This piece also has a raised lip that adds to it’s overall appearance.

Value

This crock is valued between $350.00 and $450.00 USD .