Salt-Glazed Antique Stoneware Crock

This item is a cylindrical salt-glazed stoneware crock, likely of American manufacture dating to the late 19th or early 20th century. The piece is constructed from heavy stoneware clay with a characteristic off-white to light tan salt-glazed finish, which provides a distinctively pitted, 'orange peel' texture common in utilitarian ceramics of this era. A hand-painted cobalt blue horizontal band circles the upper body just below the thick, rounded rim, and a hand-applied cobalt blue numeral '8' is visible on the front face, indicating an eight-gallon capacity. The interior likely features an Albany slip or similar dark brown lining to inhibit moisture absorption. Notable physical features include a thick, reinforced collar and a flat base. In terms of condition, the piece shows surface-level wear consistent with age and functional use, including scattered small pitting, slight discoloration, and minor surface abrasions. There are no obvious large cracks or repairs visible in the primary view, though subtle firing flaws typical of mass-produced stoneware might be present. This style of utilitarian vessel was widely produced in regions such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York during the industrial era for storage and pickling purposes.

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