Question:

I have a Red Wing 12 gallon salt glaze Butterfly and flower decorated crock, it has a very thin hairline about 10" to the right of the butterfly and number, and a small chip on the inside rim, and some small discoloring, I am under the assumption that the 12 gallon butterfly decoration, is less common than the ten and fifteen gallon, I am asking $750.00 for the crock, am I in the ball park, thank you. (Woody)

Answer: Woody, I have reviewed all the photos of your 12 gallon Red Wing salt glazed butterfly. Yes, the 12 gallon butterfly is a tougher find than the 15 gallon butterfly, but I would think that a 10 gallon butterfly is even a little tougher than your 12. Now what hurts the value of your 12 gallon butterfly is first that 10 inch hairline which is right in front of the crock. Second is the staining which is also in the front of the crock and affects the appearance. Collectors today are looking for mint or close to mint pieces. Also, appearance plays a huge roll. We want the piece and it’s decorations to be clean and that includes the background around the decorations. From what I see of you 12 gallon butterfly, I think a value between $300 & $500 is more realistic. Al Kohlman