Red Wing Pottery Appraisal

Red Wing Stoneware 3-Gallon Butter Churn or Croc

This item is a vintage Red Wing stoneware piece, likely a butter churn or a general-purpose utility crock, given its cylindrical shape and typical capacity. It is constructed from heavy-duty stoneware, finished with an off-white or cream-colored glaze that shows some natural speckling and minor discoloration consistent with age and use. The top rim is rolled and slightly thicker than the body, designed perhaps to accommodate a lid or churn dasher. A prominent '3' is hand-painted in blue script on the front, indicating its 3-gallon capacity. Below the number, the iconic Red Wing logo is visible, featuring a detailed red wing design. Further down, there's a circular blue stamp or hallmark, most likely the Red Wing Potteries manufacturer's mark, though the text within is not clearly legible from the image. The surface exhibits several condition issues consistent with its age and utilitarian nature. There are visible chips and flaking on the top rim, particularly on the outer edge, revealing the darker stoneware beneath the glaze. Similar chips or damage are present around the base, and there appears to be general wear and tear, including some scuffs and possible staining on the body of the crock. The craftsmanship indicates a sturdy, functional, and durable item, common of early 20th-century American stoneware. The style is distinctly utilitarian American folk art, prized for its rustic charm and historical significance in food preservation and storage.