4 gallon Birch leaf crock with Union Oval

Question:

I have a 4 gal crock with 2 __?__ leaves.  I would like to know what kind of leaves are they.  The stem of the leaves is coming from the right which I haven’t seen with these leaves before.  Is this a production error?  I would also like to know when the union label was used.  I think it was 1894-1906. And lastly, the value.  It does have a major crack/chip.  Otherwise, it is in excellent condition.

 

Thank you very much.

Mark

Answer:

Mark, the leaves on your crock are birch leaves. The way the leaves were applied is not a production error, but most likely applied to fit between the number 4 and union oval.  These leaves were the most common used leaves on both the Minnesota & Red Wing stoneware companies.  Your crock was produced by the Minnesota Stoneware Company sometime between 1895 & 1906.  Value on your crock with the crack is quite low.  Maybe $20 to $25.  Al Kohlman