Question:
Hello, I think I have a north star 4 gallon crock. I collect salt glaze redwings, but this one has the 4 and under it has a leaf which goes up. The tip of the leaf is on the upper left side and the end or bottom of the leaf is on the right side.

I know that northstar early leaves were the other way though. The tip on the upper right side and the bottom on the left. Other than that, the leaf looks correct. Could you help me in this. Thanks, Ted

Answer:
Ted, without seeing a photo of your crock, I can only go by your description. From what you have described, it does sound like a North Star. Crocks which have the leaf’s basically turned upside down and are rather primitive are usually attributed to North Star, but still could be manufactored by another pottery. With a photo, I would feel more confident with by decision. Al Kohlman

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Is this Redwing? Steve

Answer:
Steve, your bowl was made by Red Wing and called a Red and Blue banded bowl. Red Wing manufactured them in sizes from 4 inch to 12 inch. They were made from the late 1920’s and into the 1930’s. Al Kohlman

Question:
What is the value of a six gallon crock with blue double leaf design made by Union Stoneware Co., Redwing, MN ? Crock is in mint condition. Thanks James

Answer:
Jim, if your crock’s decorations are nice and balanced and fairly dark in color, the value would be between $100 and $125. Light colored decorations would be less. Al Kohlman

Question:
We have a redwing crock that has the #4 on it. It is great condition and w/both handles… What would something like this go for? Rosey

Answer:
Rosey, the value on your Red Wing crock depends on condition and the size of the Red Wing. If your crock is in mint condition and has a 2 7/8" wing approximate value would be $50. With a 4 1/2" wing around $75. Hope this helps. Al Kohlman

Question:
I have two large crocks that have a blue crown with a number 30 in the crown. These have no handles, and no chips or cracks at all. I have no idea who they are made by or how much they are worth, any information would be great. Thank you

Answer:
Ian, your two 30 gallon crown crocks are manufactured in Ohio. The company is still in business today and you can go to a number of local hardware stores to purchase them. By best guess on their value would be in the $50 (each) range. Al Kohlman

Question:
How can you tell how old a piece of pottery is, I have a piece with the number 8 on it and it also has a redwing logo with wire and wooden handles and it says that it has a patents of Dec 24th 1919. I don’t know if there is something else that I should be looking for other then it said it was made in Red Wing Union Stone Ware Company. Red Wing MN. Any advice would be great. Thank you so much…

Answer:
Rick, your patent date must be a little fuzzy as your patent date should read, Dec 21, 1915. This is the patent date that Red Wing used on their handles. So we now know that your crock was made after 1915. The next thing you need to do is measure the Red Wing from it’s longest points. If your wing is 4 1/2" long then your crock was made between 1915 and 1930. If your wing is 2 7/8" long, your crock was manufactured after 1930. Hope this helps. Al Kohlman

Question:
Where do I find pictures of Minnesota Stoneware crocks?

Answer:
Mjgresko, your best resource for looking up photos and information on Minnesota crocks are from a couple of books devoted to Red Wing Stoneware. I recommend Red Wing Stoneware by Dan & Gail DePasquale and Larry Peterson. Also Red Wing Potters & Their Wares by Gary & Bonnie Tefft. You may contact the Tefft’s at (414-251-1415). They may also have the information on where you may purchase the Red Wing Stoneware book. Both books are excellent. Al Kohlman

Question:
Have a 20lb. butter crock to sell for a consigner. It does NOT have the double ridge around the top – it also has no chips but two round the bottom less then 1/2" in size. What can you tell me about the value? Thanks! Linda

Answer:
Linda, I wish I had just a little more information or a photo, but will do my best. If your 20 lb Red Wing butter crock has a 2" wing, with the chips you mentioned, I would place the value between $400 & $500. 4" wing with chips between $650 & $750. Hope this helps. Al Kohlman

Question:
Hello, I recently purchased a grayline casserole on e-bay. I am concerned about its’ authenticity. We have several other casseroles and spongeware bowls. The new piece has a much lighter clay color, "crackling" in the glaze, and a very glossy glaze. Do you know if this piece has been reproduced? Thank you, Linda

Answer:
Linda, I have never heard of a Grayline casserole reproduction. Depending on the lot, the glazing could be lighter than others. Also, I have seen crazing or crackling of the glaze in grayline. Lastly, look underneat the casserole and see if it is stamped "Made in Red Wing" which will be in a circle. If this is there, be assured your Grayline casserole is authentic. Al Kohlman

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Hello! I recently found a spongeware casserole covered dish in brown and green and I was wondering about some information on it, mainly is it redwing and maybe an estimate on value? It measures 7 1/2" across and stands 4/5 inches tall to the top of the knob. good condition, one small rim chip. I looked through all my books and on ebay and could not find anything like it. Thanks Beth

Answer:
Hello Beth. After reviewing your photo of your spongeware casserole covered dish I cannot tell you who the manufactor of this casserole is. However, I can tell you that it was not manufactured by the Red Wing Stoneware Company. All of the Redwing Spongeware cassroles were in a red & blue sponge. Sorry I could not be of further help. Al Kohlman