If you've ever stumbled across the 60 gallon redwing crock from an antique present or on a good old barn, the first thing you notice will be the sheer scale of it. It's not just the piece of pottery; it's an enormous, salt-glazed monument in order to a time when people didn't just buy a jar of pickles at the store—they made enough to last a good entire village by means of a harsh wintertime. These things are usually monsters, and with regard to anyone who enjoys Americana or antique stoneware, finding 1 in good form is a little bit like finding the holy grail.
Just How Big Are these claims Thing?
To actually appreciate the 60 gallon redwing crock , you have to understand the physical reality of it. We're speaking about an one appears nearly thirty ins tall and is nearly as wide. If you filled this with water, it might weigh about 500 pounds, and that's not even counting the of the clay itself, which usually usually adds an additional 80 to 100 pounds. It's the kind of item that demands two very strong people—or an extremely durable hand truck—just to move it throughout a room.
Many people are used to the 2-gallon or 5-gallon crocks that you see seated on kitchen counters or being used as umbrella stalls. Those are controllable. However the 60-gallon edition? That was industrial-strength. This was made for considerable food preservation, often used in butcher shops or upon large communal facilities. Seeing one today feels like looking at a relic from a various world, one exactly where "bulk buying" supposed something very different than it does at Costco nowadays.
Just a little Backstory on Red Side Stoneware
You can't really speak about these pots without mentioning the particular town of Crimson Wing, Minnesota. Back in the late 1800s and earlier 1900s, this location was the epicenter of American pottery. The particular clay found within that region had been perfect for producing durable, high-fire stoneware. Several companies eventually merged to form the Red Wing Union Stoneware Firm, which is title most collectors look for today.
The particular 60 gallon redwing crock signifies the peak of their production capacity. Whilst they made even larger ones—up in order to 70 gallons—the 60-gallon is often the largest one you'll actually see within a private selection. It features that will iconic red side logo, which changed in size plus style over the particular years. On a crock this large, you'll usually notice a large wing, sometimes six or seven inches long, which looks significantly more impressive compared to little two-inch versions found on the particular smaller jugs.
Spotting an actual One particular
If you're out looking for a single of these, a person need to know what you should expect. Not almost all big crocks are usually Red Wings, though many people wish they were. The particular most obvious giveaway is the "wing" itself. Depending upon when it was made, the side might be the deep, vibrant reddish or a slightly pale orange-red.
Then there's the particular "oval. " This is the stamp that usually sits below the side and tells you the name of the company and where it had been made. On a 60 gallon redwing crock , you'll want in order to see the "Red Wing Union Stoneware Co. " mark. If it states "Minnesota Stoneware Company., " it's an early on piece from prior to the big merger, which very cool but includes a different appearance.
Another thing to check may be the number. Right from the very best, usually focused above the side, there will be a huge "60" stamped in to the clay or painted on within blue cobalt. This was the quick way for workers in a warehouse to know exactly which size they were catching.
Handles plus Hardware
Most of these giant crocks included handles because, truthfully, you couldn't shift them without them. These weren't just little clay loops; they were heavy-duty wire handles along with wooden grips, often called "bale holders. " Because these pieces are a centuries old, the wooden is often rotted away or the wire is corroded, but if you discover one with the particular original handles intact, you've hit the particular jackpot.
The "Turkey Droppings" Glaze
Earlier pieces used a salt glaze, which usually has a textured, orange-peel feel into it. Some of the particular very old types have what collectors affectionately call "turkey droppings"—which are actually just drips associated with excess glaze that turned a dark brown or natural during the shooting process. While that might sound gross, it's actually an indication of the authentic, hand-made antique. Later models relocated to a smoother, zinc glaze (that creamy off-white color), which is what you'll see on most of the reddish wing-marked pieces.
Why Do People Still Buy These?
You may be wondering why anyone would need a 100-pound ceramic barrel taking up space in their home. The truth is, the 60 gallon redwing crock is a statement piece. I've seen people use them since the base for the glass-topped coffee table, or as a massive planter in a sunroom (though you have in order to be careful about drainage and weight).
Mostly, it's about the particular history. There's something deeply satisfying about owning something that was created to final forever. These crocks were made with the intention that they'd be used for decades, passed down by means of families, and utilized every single harvest season. In a world of plastic and throw-away everything, the excess weight and permanence associated with a Red Wing piece feel grounded.
What's the Market Like?
In the event that you're looking in order to buy a 60 gallon redwing crock , bring your checkbook. These aren't the particular $50 finds they used to become in the 70s. Based on the situation, the clarity from the red wing stamps, and whether there are any cracks (or "hairlines" as enthusiasts call them), you could be looking at anywhere from $500 to well over $1, 500.
Splits are the huge deal-breaker. A "tight" hairline that doesn't go all the way through may be acceptable to some, but a large "Y" crack that will compromises the structural integrity will fish tank the value. Also, look out for repairs. A few people are actually good at using epoxy to hide breaks, but a fast tap with your knuckle can usually inform the story—a strong crock may have the clear ring, while a cracked one particular will sound such as a dull thud.
Moving plus Taking care of Your Large Treasure
Let's say you lastly find one. Just how do you obtain it home? Please, for the love of all things antique, don't simply throw it in the back associated with a pickup truck. One good bundle and your 60 gallon redwing crock becomes a very expensive stack of 60-gallon ceramic shards. You need blankets—lots of them—and you have to secure this so it can't hint.
Once you get it inside, cleaning it is definitely pretty straightforward. Stay to mild cleaning soap and water. Prevent using harsh chemical substances or bleach, especially if the piece includes a salt glaze, when you don't want anything at all seeping into the pores of the clay. If there's old gunk inside from many years of being in a barn, a bit of soaking usually does the trick.
Final Thoughts on the Big Crimson Wing
There's a specific kind of joy in gathering stoneware, and the 60 gallon redwing crock is usually definitely the "big boss" of that will world. It's a link to a period of hard work plus self-sufficiency. Every time you look at that will giant red stamps, you're reminded associated with the potters within Minnesota who spent their days hauling heavy clay and stoking massive kilns to create something that would outlive all of them by a millennium.
Whether you're a critical collector or just someone that values a piece of furniture that can double being a bunker, these crocks are usually worth the time and effort. They're heavy, they're costly, and they're difficult to move, but man, they definitely look good within a room. Just make sure you know exactly where you desire this to sit prior to you put it down—your back may thank you afterwards.