Red Wing Union Stoneware 6-Gallon Crock/Butter Churn
Decorative Art / Utilitarian Stoneware Vessel • Red Wing Union Stoneware Co. (Minnesota, USA)
Style & Movement
American Folk Art / Industrial Arts / Arts and Crafts Movement Utility
Medium & Technique
Salt-glazed pottery or zinc-glaze stoneware with hand-applied cobalt blue number '6' and red wing cobalt/ink stamp logo. High-fire kiln technique.
Creation Period
Early 20th Century (circa 1906–1930)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12-15 inches in height and 11-13 inches in diameter; Cylindrical format.
Subject Description
A utilitarian 6-gallon storage vessel. It features a prominent hand-stamped '6' indicating capacity, the iconic 4-inch or 6-inch red wing mark, and an oval company logo at the base. The vessel includes a wire and wood bail handle.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. Shows light wear consistent with age and use.
Estimated Market Value
$100.00 – $250.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$75.00 – $150.00 USD
Provenance History
Likely manufactured in Red Wing, Minnesota; typically sold through regional hardware and general stores. No specific collector labels visible, but bears the original manufacturer's oval stamp.
Art Historical Significance
Red Wing stoneware is a quintessential example of American Midwestern industrial craft. It represents the height of the transition from handmade folk pottery to large-scale industrial manufacturing, reflecting the agrarian history of the United States.
Notable Features
Includes the 'Red Wing Union Stoneware Co.' oval stamp which dates it definitively after the 1906 merger of Red Wing stoneware companies. Features the highly collectible 'Red Wing' logo which is a primary driver of value among regional pottery collectors.
Condition Issues
Visible surface pitting (kiln pops), minor scuffing around the base, and some possible hairline cracks or crazing inherent to age. The wire handle shows oxidation (rust).
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a climate-controlled environment to prevent further handle oxidation. Clean only with mild water and avoid abrasive chemicals that could damage the glaze or stamped markings.