Randy Chandler
Antique cheese crocks are highly collectible, with enthusiasts scouring local antique stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, RubyLane, and LiveAuctioneers to find them. Antique crocks were a vital kitchen tool before the advent of refrigeration, used to store and preserve foodstuffs such as butter, salted meats, and pickled vegetables. They were typically made of stoneware, a durable, economical ceramic that remains water-tight even without a glaze. The manufacturing process and materials used can provide clues about the age of a cheese crock. For example, the Red Wing Union Stoneware mark was used between 1906 and 1936, while the red mark in the shape of a wing was introduced in 1912, indicating a piece was made between 1912 and 1936. Collectors also look for distinctive maker's marks, such as the maple leaf logo used by Monmouth Pottery Company from 1902 onwards, to identify the origin and approximate age of a cheese crock.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Holding foodstuffs such as butter, salted meats, and pickled vegetables |
| Material | Stoneware, ceramic, porcelain |
| Design | Handmade, crude or rough appearance, blue decorations, natural world-inspired artwork |
| Manufacturing | Red Wing Stoneware Co. (1877-1906), Minnesota Stoneware Co. (1883-1906), North Star Stoneware Co. (1892-1896), Union Stoneware Co. (1894-1906), Monmouth Pottery Company (1894-1906), Western Stoneware Company (from 1906) |
| Markings | Red Wing Union Stoneware mark (1906-1936), Red Wing trademark (1912-1936), maple leaf logo (1902-1906), Kaukauna Klub logo and company name (from 1933) |
| Size | 2-3.75 inches high, 12-gallon capacity |
| Price | £12.50 or $15, $70, $100 |
| Food Safety | Potential issues with lead and other heavy metals in glaze |
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What You'll Learn
Glazed or unglazed?
The glaze on a cheese crock is an important factor in determining its age, origin, and value. Antique crocks were typically made of stoneware, a durable and economical type of ceramic that is water-tight even without a glaze. However, glazes were often used to add colour and decoration to these crocks.
A salt glaze, for example, was commonly used on antique stoneware crocks, giving them a brown or grey colour with blue decorations. Salt-glazed crocks can be identified by their colour and the characteristic texture of the glaze, which can feel slightly rough or gritty to the touch. Salt-glazed stoneware was produced by various companies, including the Monmouth Pottery Company (1894-1906), the Red Wing Stoneware Co. (1877-1906), and the Minnesota Stoneware Co. (1883-1906). If you find a crock with a maple leaf logo, it was likely made by the Monmouth Pottery Company in 1902 or later. The Red Wing Union Stoneware mark was used between 1906 and 1936, and their red wing-shaped trademark was introduced in 1912.
Other types of glazes used on antique crocks include the Albany slip glaze and the Bristol glaze. The Albany slip glaze, a type of brown glaze, was used by Pearsons of Chesterfield, an English pottery company in business from 1810 to 1994, as well as the Monmouth Pottery Company.
While antique crocks with glazes can be valuable and aesthetically pleasing, there are concerns about the safety of using them for food storage. Some old glazes may contain lead or other heavy metals that can leach into food. If you plan to use an antique crock for food, it is essential to research its glaze and consider testing it for harmful substances.
On the other hand, unglazed crocks also have their advantages. The absence of glaze can indicate that the crock is truly antique, as modern crocks typically have some form of glaze. Additionally, an unglazed crock may be safer for food storage, as there is no risk of lead or heavy metal contamination from the glaze. However, it is still important to thoroughly research and inspect an unglazed crock before using it for food, as there may be other contaminants or issues with the crock's condition that could affect food safety.
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Stoneware, porcelain, or ceramic?
Before diving into the differences between stoneware, porcelain, and ceramic, it is worth noting that cheese crocks were typically made of stoneware. From the 1930s to the 1970s, stoneware was the material of choice for cold pack cheese products. However, stoneware, porcelain, and ceramic each have their unique characteristics, uses, and benefits.
Stoneware
Stoneware is a type of ceramic made from clay and fired at high temperatures, typically between 2150°F and 2330°F (1175°C to 1280°C). This firing process results in a dense and durable material with a slightly coarse texture. Stoneware is less prone to chipping, cracking, and breaking, making it ideal for everyday use. It is also microwave and dishwasher-safe. Stoneware is often chosen for its rustic aesthetic and incredible versatility. It is commonly used for dishes, serving bowls, mugs, and other kitchenware. Additionally, stoneware is a sustainable and affordable option, as it is designed to last a lifetime with proper care.
Porcelain
Porcelain is another type of ceramic, made from fine, white clay called kaolin. It is fired at extremely high temperatures, around 2300°F to 2650°F (1260°C to 1450°C), resulting in a non-porous, glass-like material. Porcelain is known for its delicate appearance, translucency, and chip resistance. It is commonly used for tea sets, decorative items, and bakeware. Porcelain can be manipulated into ultra-thin designs and elaborate shapes, often featuring intricate patterns or decorations. However, lower-quality porcelain may be more prone to cracking and chipping.
Ceramic
Ceramic is a broad term encompassing various types of clay-based products, including earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. It includes a wide range of pottery made from earthen materials like clay. Ceramics can be fired at varying temperatures, depending on the specific type of clay and the desired characteristics of the final product. While ceramic offers versatility in terms of shapes and designs, it may be more susceptible to chipping and cracking compared to stoneware.
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What colour is it?
The colour of a cheese crock can be a good indicator of its age and origin. Antique crocks were typically made of stoneware and coloured with a brown or grey salt glaze, with blue decorations. The blue designs were usually etched into the clay and then filled with cobalt blue pigment. These designs were often inspired by nature, featuring birds, trees, and flowers.
However, the colour of a cheese crock is not limited to brown or grey. For example, the Monmouth Pottery Company, which operated from 1894 to 1906, used salt glazes, Albany slip glazes, and later a Bristol glaze on their crocks. Their most collectible design features two men standing inside a giant crock, and if you spot a maple leaf logo, it's from 1902 or later.
In addition to brown and grey crocks, you can also find yellowware crocks, which are a type of ceramic with a brown Albany slip glaze. These crocks are typically smaller, perfect for individual servings of cheese spread.
Crocks were also made of porcelain-type ceramic, like the Cropwell Bishop Creamery jar, which would have contained blue cheese crumbles. This type of crock has a different look from the more common stoneware crocks.
It's worth noting that the colour of a crock can also be indicative of its safety for food use. While most crocks today are made of lead-free glaze, older crocks may contain heavy metals in the glaze that can leach into food.
So, when it comes to the colour of a cheese crock, it can vary from brown and grey to yellow and blue, depending on the origin and age of the crock. The colour can also be a factor in determining the safety of the crock for food use.
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Is there a maker's mark?
When it comes to identifying the maker of a cheese crock, there are a few things to look out for. Firstly, the presence of any marks, stamps, logos, or labels on the crock can provide valuable information. Some manufacturers stamped their company name and logo on the crockery, as seen with the Kaukauna Klub brand name and logo on their grey stoneware crocks. Similarly, the Red Wing Union Stoneware mark was used between 1906 and 1936, while their trademark red wing logo was introduced in 1912, making it possible to identify the production date of their crocks.
In addition to company names and logos, other types of marks can also be indicative of a particular manufacturer. For instance, the Monmouth Pottery Company's crocks featured a maple leaf logo from 1902 onwards, while Western Stoneware Company products also displayed the maple leaf logo with the company name in the centre and a number indicating the factory of origin. Antique crocks were often decorated with artwork inspired by nature, such as birds, trees, and flowers, which may provide clues about their maker. These designs were usually etched into the clay and filled with cobalt blue pigment.
Furthermore, the type of glaze used on the crock can also be indicative of the manufacturer. For example, the Monmouth Pottery Company used salt glazes, Albany slip glazes, and later, Bristol glazes. Antique crocks were typically glazed with a brown or grey salt glaze and adorned with blue decorations. However, it is important to note that some glazes may contain harmful substances like lead and other heavy metals, which can leach into food. Therefore, it is recommended to test for these contaminants before using old crocks for food storage.
Another way to identify the maker of a cheese crock is by considering its shape and size. Certain manufacturers produced crocks in specific sizes and styles. For instance, the Hall China Company, founded by Robert Hall in 1903, produced crocks that were 2 1/2" high, which were likely used for cold pack cheese. Similarly, the Cropwell Bishop Creamery jar, which would have contained blue cheese crumbles, measures 3 1/4" and is made of porcelain-type ceramic, differing from the typical stoneware crocks.
Lastly, the condition and appearance of the crock can provide clues about its maker. Antique crocks were typically made by hand, resulting in designs that may appear crude or rough. Shining a flashlight over the edge of the crock can help reveal any faint etching marks or indentations that could indicate the maker's marks. Additionally, the colour and texture of the crock can vary depending on the type of clay used, which may be indicative of a particular manufacturer or region.
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Is it food-safe?
Before the advent of refrigeration, crocks were used in American kitchens to store food items such as butter, salted meats, and pickled vegetables. Antique crocks were typically made of stoneware, a durable and economical ceramic that remains water-tight even without a glaze. However, it is important to note that not all antique crocks are safe for food storage. Some factors to consider when evaluating the food safety of an antique crock include:
- Age and location: While these factors only provide a general guideline, it is worth considering that older crocks may be more likely to contain heavy metals in the glaze that can leach into food. Even today, some pottery crocks are made with heavy metals in the glaze, so age is not the only determining factor.
- Glaze type: A salt glaze, for example, has been indicated as a potential marker of food safety. However, this is a controversial topic, and some sources indicate that even salt-glazed crocks may contain lead.
- Maker's mark: Identifying the maker of the crock can help you research the materials and techniques they used, which may give you a better idea of the crock's safety for food storage. For example, Monmouth Pottery Company used salt glazes, Albany slip glazes, and later a Bristol glaze on their crocks, while Western Stoneware Company's products can be identified by a maple leaf logo with the name in the centre.
- Testing kits: If in doubt, you can purchase testing kits to check for lead and other heavy metals in the crockery.
If you are unsure about the safety of an antique crock, it is best to err on the side of caution and use it for decorative purposes only, or to store non-food items.
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Frequently asked questions
The year of make for a cheese crock can be identified by examining the markings on the crock. For instance, the "Red Wing Union Stoneware" mark was used between 1906 and 1936, while the red mark in the shape of a wing was introduced in 1912 and used until 1936. Similarly, the presence of a maple leaf logo on Monmouth crockery indicates that it was made in 1902 or later.
Antique crocks were typically made of brown or grey salt-glazed stoneware with blue decorations. The artwork on the crocks was usually inspired by the natural world, featuring birds, trees, and flowers. These designs were hand-painted and etched into the clay, giving them a rough appearance. Therefore, examining the colour, artwork, and texture of the crock can provide insights into its age.
To identify the manufacturer of a cheese crock, look for specific marks or logos associated with pottery companies. For example, the "Red Wing Union Stoneware" mark indicates that the crock was made by the Red Wing Stoneware Co. between 1906 and 1936. A maple leaf logo on Monmouth crockery signifies production in 1902 or later, while the absence of a logo may suggest the crock was made by an unknown manufacturer, as is often the case with stoneware cheese crocks.
The value of a cheese crock depends on various factors, including its age, rarity, and condition, and whether it has its original lid. Antique stoneware crocks from the 19th century are generally considered more valuable, especially those made in the 1800s. The presence of a lid can also increase the value, as seen in the example of a 12-gallon crock selling for approximately $100 with its lid.
