How do I identify old crocks?
An antique crock typically has a thick structural wall, often with a telltale bow in the center. Antique crocks feature very simple freehand-painted decorations, usually executed in cobalt blue ink. Stenciled or hand-drawn letters and numbers also appear on most old crocks.
How do you date a crock?
The cylinder shape of crocks wasn’t mainstream until about 1860. If there is a maker’s mark and pattern name on the bottom, it was made after 1810. If the word “limited” or “Ltd.” is on the bottom, it was made after 1861. If the mark says “Made in” a specific country, it is likely from the 1900s.
How do I know if my stoneware is antique?
Salt glaze is the tell tale sign of a piece of antique stoneware and it is recognizable by the salty or pebbled surface on a stoneware crock. The use of salt glaze results in a rough texture on the surface of a stoneware crock. This surface helps you to identify the stoneware crock, its age, and origin.
How can you tell if salt is glazed stoneware?
Salt glazed stoneware is pottery with a translucent glaze which has a slightly orange-peel texture
- brown using iron oxide.
- blue using cobalt oxide.
- or purple by using manganese oxide.
Do old crocks have lead?
The older crocks are certainly much cooler, but I can’t speak to who did and didn’t use lead. None of the new crocks have lead. I would say, if you can test them before you buy then that is your best bet.
How do you clean antique crocks?
Remove layers of dirt and grime by soaking the stoneware in a mixture of 1 cup ammonia and 2 gallons of hot water. Allow the piece to soak for 24 hours, then scrub lightly with a soft-bristled brush. Remove pencil marks or remnants of silver and other plating with metal polish or a simple pencil eraser.
How does an antique salt glazed Crock look like?
Original salt-glazed antique crocks are very heavy. An antique crock typically has a thick structural wall, often with a telltale bow in the center. Antique crocks feature very simple freehand-painted decorations, usually executed in cobalt blue ink. Stenciled or hand-drawn letters and numbers also appear on most old crocks.
What can you put in an antique stoneware Crock?
Antique stoneware crocks often stored foods and beverages. Examples included salted meats, butter, jelly, grain, and pickled vegetables. Crocks also contained the household soda and beer inventory. Even without a finish glaze, these durable and affordable vessels were watertight.
What was the name of the pottery company that made crocks?
In 1901, this well-known crock maker opened its doors as Ransbottom Brothers Pottery. In 1920, the company merged with Robinson Clay Products. The merged business was known as Robinson Ransbottom Pottery. Robinson Ransbottom Pottery’s cobalt blue crown mark drew much attention.