The stoneware crock and in particular antique stoneware crocks, have been a very
sought after product since the 1970s. Not only do they serve an important purpose in the kitchen, but hey are also a fine decorative item. In terms of the antique variety, collectors have claimed that they are worth a substantial amount of money and are deservedly a prize possession of many households.
How To Value A Stoneware Crock
- · Check the maker of the stoneware crock. One of the leading manufacturers of crockery was Redwing - which you can expect to pay more for.
- · Always check the quality of crock if you are looking to buy an antique. If it has any cracks or chips then it is best to turn down any reasonable offers. On the other hand, if it has a 'cracked' appearance in the glaze, it will not necessarily affect the price.
- · The crocks that bare a cobalt decoration are well sought after and can be rather expensive - but will always have value so long as they stay in a good condition.
- · Look for ones that still have their adjoining lids - they are worth more value and yet can still be more difficult to find.
- · Expect to pay more for crockery if you buy it within the same area of which it was produced.
The History of the Stoneware Crock
Clay has been used for modeling appliances for millions of years, particularly kitchenware. In the early days, clay was very resourceful and plentiful - it didn't take long for civilizations to realize all of the errands they could accomplish with the use of handmade stoneware crockery. They could use it extensively for preparing and cooking meals, to churn butter and proof bread. Even when everything was prepared, cooked and eaten - leftovers (if there were any) could be stored in the crocks for the next day. Other essential cooking ingredients could also be stored for longer periods of time unharmed.
In the United States, around the 18th century, crocks and various other stoneware pieces were being hand produced and traded. Towards the end of the century, the biggest manufacturers could be found in the state of Virginia - where they used a glazing process with salt that gave the end product a smooth and glossy finish. Moving in to the 19th century, the production of stoneware crockery had reached every corner of the United States and its major cities. Just as we commonly use Tupperware and freezer bags to store our food today, the stoneware crock was a very essential item of its times.
Production of Antique Stoneware
Made from clay, the stoneware would be fired into a 2,000 or so Fahrenheit kiln. Under such high temperatures, the clay crockery would set to the strength of stone. After this, they would undergo some finishing touches to make them more suitable and desirable. Salt-glazed, the finish that we mentioned earlier, was processed by throwing salt into the kiln with the crockery. On reaching high temperatures, the salt would evaporate and would form a bond with the silica found in clay. The result of this combining of elements is in actual fact glass.
Over in New York, the Albany Slip glaze was all the rage. The clay used was from a specific area and would be dipped into the Albany slip before being fired in the kiln. The resulting look would be a dark brown coloring and glaze. Down in the Southern states, Alkaline glaze was one of the more unique varieties produced. Their techniques enabled a wider range of coloring from the deepest of browns to golden yellows. Quite popular too, was the use of cobalt oxide to give the stoneware a unique cobalt decoration.