Picked up a stoneware crock

[GuntherHess]

Looks much better.

 

[tigue710]

much nicer! What does the base look like? Is it smooth or does it have lines across the base? Either strait or in a U shape? That looks like a very early piece, with such a narrow opening like that...

 

[KentOhio]

The base is smooth with no lines. Does that mean anything?

 

[tigue710]

the earlier pieces have a smooth base while later pieces have lines on the base. This was because a piece of wire was used to remove the piece from the wheel after it was thrown. A smooth base indicates the wire was pulled under while the lines indicate it was twisted and sawed. It really comes down to the individual who made it but often is an indicator of age...

Does the crock have brown glaze on the inside? The brown glaze is known as Albany slip and was not used until the 1820's, so if it has it it is after 1820, but not much after because of the ovoid shape, which went out of use beginning in the 1840's. If it does not have the glaze it probably pre dates the 1820's and could be as early as the 1770's or so. Another indicator of your piece is the small opening in the top. The later the piece the wider the opening, and by the 1830's into the 40 most crocks had flared openings in the top.

 

[KentOhio]

That's interesting; I've never heard about wire marks or Albany slip being date indicators. Mine does have the Albany slip inside.