Crocks
I have a small vintage crock that is whiteish/light brown mix and on the out side it has a “ribbed” feel and apperance to it, like lines going around it, on the inside it is smooth, and in the bottom a sort of swirl pattern? It does have a mark on the bottom of the crock, it is in medium numbers “4004″, I was wondering if you thought this piece was old, (witch Im sure it is), and what its worth may be, if any, it’s just I have not seen one with the number markings on it before, your advice and help would be very much appreciated! Thank you so much!
— Leah
Hello Leah, It sounds likes your crock is antique, the outside band designs are called ribbed. Usually these smaller wares were used in the kitchen for cottage cheese, yogurt or butter. The age is usually late 19th century through 1940’s. Once electricity and refrigeration was accessible the need for crocks lessened. The average market value for a small ribbed crock is $15.00 – $18.00 (Some of the most valuable crocks are decorated with a cobalt design.)
—Thank you for your inquiry, Joyce
Joyce, I have a Pearsons of Chesterfield, 1810 Made in England Water crock. #3 It is all cream in color and in excellent shape. Is this an antique and what would the value be on it?? I searched the web and could not really find any good information.
— R.N.
Crocks are fairly common and generally date around 1880-1930. Your piece sounds a lot older than the usual. Brown and tan glazes are colors used most often. Cobalt blue was used for marking the number/size (on your crock 3) and in rare cases for decoration. Most crocks do not have handles. More valuable crocks have applied “strap style” handles. Very rarely are utilitarian crocks signed by an artist or maker, if the piece is signed that certainly would make it more valuable. It sounds like you have more of a treasure than a common crock.
— Joyce
