How do I tell how old a stoneware crock is?

Several clues help date a crock. Older nineteenth-century crocks were often salt-glazed, giving them a slightly textured, orange-peel surface, and they were frequently decorated by hand with cobalt blue slip. Later crocks from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries often have a smoother Bristol or white glaze and stamped or stenciled markings rather than hand-painted designs.

The maker's mark is especially useful. Many potteries stamped their name and town into the crock, and their operating dates can often be found in stoneware references or local history. The style of the mark matters as well: incised or impressed marks tend to be older, while printed oval or crown-style logos are associated with large factory production. Shape is another hint; earlier pieces often have more ovoid or bulbous forms, while later ones tend to be straight-sided.

Reproduction and decorative crocks are common, so look at the weight, the glaze and the wear. Genuine old crocks show use wear on the base and rim. If you think you have an early decorated piece, a dealer or appraiser familiar with American stoneware can give you a reliable opinion.