What are stoneware crocks worth?
Collectively, antique stoneware crock values range from $500 to $400,000. However, actual antique crock selling prices depend on whether the crock has the iconic cobalt blue design.
What were stoneware crocks used for?
If you are not familiar with crocks, before the advent of refrigeration, crocks were used in American kitchens to store foodstuffs such as butter, salted meats, and pickled vegetables. The crocks were usually made of stoneware, a durable, economical ceramic that remains water-tight, even without a glaze.
How do I know if my stoneware crock is antique?
Unique characteristics of this antique stoneware included:
- A 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 is a crock pottery?
A crock is a pottery container sometimes used for food and water, synonymous with the word pot, and sometimes used for chemicals. Derivative terms include crockery and crock-pot.
Do old crocks have lead?
The older crocks are certainly much cooler, but I can’t speak to who did and didn’t use lead. None of the new crocks have lead. I would say, if you can test them before you buy then that is your best bet.
What can be stored in a crock?
They are excellent for preserving vegetables, such as cucumbers for pickling, and cabbage for sauerkraut. (Crocks filled with food for fermentation purposes should be kept in cool, dry environments, which allows the fruits and vegetables to ferment naturally.)
What do the numbers on crocks mean?
A single number painted, stamped, or impressed on the crock typically indicates its size. A three would mean 3 gallons or 3 quarts. The style, font, and placement of the number can sometimes help you identify the maker.
How can you tell if ceramic is lead?
Test the pottery. Consumers can buy lead-testing kits in hardware stores or online. The kits contain swabs with instructions on proper use of the swabs and reading of the results. In most cases, the consumer will rub the swab on the food-contacting surface of the pottery.