Why Collectors Love the 60 Gallon Redwing Crock
If you've actually stumbled across a 60 gallon redwing crock with an antique display or on a good old barn, the first thing you notice is definitely the sheer range of it. It's not just the piece of art; it's a substantial, salt-glazed monument to a time when people didn't just buy a jar of pickles at the store—they made more than enough to last an entire village by means of a harsh wintertime. These things are monsters, and with regard to anyone who likes Americana or classic stoneware, finding one in good form is a bit like finding a holy grail.
Just How Big Is This Thing?
To really appreciate a 60 gallon redwing crock , you have got to understand the physical reality of it. We're talking about an one stands nearly thirty inches tall and is nearly as wide. In case you filled this with water, it might weigh about five hundred pounds, and that's not even counting the weight of the particular clay itself, which usually usually adds an additional 80 to 100 pounds. It's the type of item that demands two very solid people—or an extremely sturdy hand truck—just to move it throughout a room.
Many people are used to the 2-gallon or even 5-gallon crocks that will you see sitting down on kitchen desks or being used as umbrella holds. Those are workable. But the 60-gallon version? That was industrial-strength. This was designed for considerable food preservation, frequently used in butchers shops or upon large communal facilities. Seeing one today feels like searching at a relic from a various world, one where "bulk buying" intended something very various than it will at Costco nowadays.
Just a little Backstory on Red Side Stoneware
You can't really talk about these pots without mentioning the town of Crimson Wing, Minnesota. Back again in the late 1800s and earlier 1900s, this place was your epicenter of American pottery. The clay found in that region was perfect for producing durable, high-fire stoneware. Several companies ultimately merged to form the Red Side Union Stoneware Business, which is title most collectors search for today.
The 60 gallon redwing crock symbolizes the peak of the production capacity. While they made actually larger ones—up to 70 gallons—the 60-gallon is often the particular largest one you'll actually see in a private collection. It features that will iconic red side logo, which changed in size and style over the years. On the crock this large, you'll usually notice a large wing, sometimes six or even seven inches long, which looks very much more impressive compared to little two-inch variations found on the particular smaller jugs.
Spotting a Real One particular
If you're out hunting for one particular of these, a person need to understand what to look for. Not almost all big crocks are Red Wings, even though many people desire they were. The most obvious free items is the "wing" itself. Depending on when it was made, the wing might be the deep, vibrant crimson or perhaps a slightly faded orange-red.
Then there's the particular "oval. " This is the stamp that usually sits below the side and tells a person 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. " tag. If it states "Minnesota Stoneware Company., " it's an earlier piece from before the big merger, which very cool yet has a different appearance.
Another point to check may be the number. Right from the top, usually focused above the wing, you will have a huge "60" stamped into the clay or even painted on within blue cobalt. This was the quick way for workers in a warehouse to know exactly which size they were snagging.
Handles and Hardware
Most of these giant crocks came with handles because, honestly, you couldn't proceed them without all of them. These weren't simply little clay spiral; they were heavy duty wire handles along with wooden grips, often called "bale deals with. " Because these parts are a millennium old, the wooden is often rotted away or the particular wire is rusted, but if you discover one with the particular original handles in one piece, you've hit the particular jackpot.
The "Turkey Droppings" Glaze
Earlier pieces used a salt glaze, which has an uneven, orange-peel feel into it. Some of the very old types have what enthusiasts affectionately call "turkey droppings"—which are actually just drips of excess glaze that will turned a dark brown or natural during the firing process. While that might sound gross, it's actually a sign of an authentic, hand-made antique. Later versions moved to a softer, zinc glaze (that creamy off-white color), that is what you'll see on many of the crimson wing-marked pieces.
Why Do Individuals Still Buy These types of?
You might be wondering why anyone would want a 100-pound ceramic barrel taking upward space in their house. The truth is, the 60 gallon redwing crock is a statement piece. I've seen individuals use them because the base for a 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 some thing deeply satisfying regarding owning something that was created to last forever. These crocks were created using the particular intention that they'd be used for many years, passed down by means of families, and utilized every single harvest time of year. Within a world of plastic and disposable everything, the excess weight and permanence associated with a Red Wing piece feel grounded.
What's the Market Like?
In case you're looking in order to buy a 60 gallon redwing crock , bring your checkbook. These aren't the $50 finds they used to become in the 70s. Depending on the situation, the clarity from the red wing stamps, and whether there are any cracks (or "hairlines" as enthusiasts call them), you may be looking at anywhere from $500 to well over $1, 500.
Cracks are the huge deal-breaker. A "tight" hairline that doesn't go all the particular way through may be acceptable to some, but a huge "Y" crack that will compromises the structural integrity will fish tank the value. Furthermore, watch out for repairs. A few people are really good at using epoxy to hide splits, but a fast tap with your knuckle can usually tell the story—a strong crock may have the clear ring, whilst a cracked 1 will sound such as a dull thud.
Moving plus Caring for Your Heavy Treasure
Let's say you lastly find one. How do you get it home? Make sure you, for the love of all points antique, don't simply throw it within the back of a pickup vehicle. One good lump and your 60 gallon redwing crock becomes the very expensive heap of 60-gallon ceramic shards. You require blankets—lots of them—and you need to secure it therefore it can't tip.
Once a person get it inside, cleaning it is definitely pretty straightforward. Stay to mild cleaning soap and water. Prevent using harsh chemicals or bleach, especially if the piece includes a salt glaze, while you don't want everything seeping into the pores of the clay. If there's old gunk inside from many years of becoming in a barn, a bit associated with soaking usually will the trick.
Final Thoughts on the Big Crimson Wing
There's a specific kind of joy in gathering stoneware, and the particular 60 gallon redwing crock is usually definitely the "big boss" of that will world. It's the link to a period of hard work plus self-sufficiency. Every time you look at that giant red stamps, you're reminded of the potters in Minnesota who spent their days hauling heavy clay and stoking massive kilns to create something which would outlive them by a centuries.
Whether you're a serious collector or just someone that appreciates a piece of furniture that can double being a bunker, these crocks are worth the effort. They're heavy, they're costly, and they're tough to move, yet man, they definitely look good within a room. Just be sure you know precisely where you desire it to sit before you put it down—your back will thank you later on.