Red Wing Union Stoneware 4 Gallon Crock Value Guide

This 4-gallon salt-glazed crock is a quintessential piece of American history produced by the Red Wing Union Stoneware Company between 1906 and 1915. Its iconic red wing emblem and hand-applied cobalt blue capacity mark make it a highly sought-after staple for collectors of Midwestern utilitarian pottery.

What Is Red Wing Union Stoneware 4 Gallon Crock Worth?

The typical price range for Red Wing Union Stoneware 4 Gallon Crock is $135 - $150 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The size and vibrancy of the red wing logo, as larger wings often indicate earlier production dates.
• Overall condition, specifically the absence of hairline cracks, 'spidering', or significant rim chips.
• The clarity and depth of the cobalt blue capacity numbering.
• Market demand for specific 'Union' era markings following the 1906 merger.

How to Identify Red Wing Union Stoneware 4 Gallon Crock?

• Look for the distinct red wing logo, which should be approximately four inches wide if produced closer to 1915.
• Identify the hand-painted or stamped cobalt blue '4' indicating the gallon capacity.
• Check for the characteristic salt-glaze finish which gives the stoneware a slightly pitted, orange-peel texture.
• Verify the Red Wing Union Stoneware Co. oval mark often found at the bottom of the piece.

History of Red Wing Union Stoneware 4 Gallon Crock

Produced by the Red Wing Union Stoneware Company in Minnesota, these crocks were essential household items for preserving food. The company was formed in 1906 through the merger of several local potteries. The size of the 'wing' logo helps collectors date the piece; larger wings typically signify earlier production periods before they were standardized to a smaller four-inch size around 1915.