A 6-Gallon Crock Has Collector Stumped
A reader wonders if a crock made in Fort Edward, N.Y., a major center for stoneware production during the latter half of the 19th century, has any value. We supply the answer.
Question: This six-gallon crock was made in Fort Edward, N.Y. It is in good condition and measures 13 inches high and 13 inches in diameter. Under the rim, Fort Edward NY and the number 6 are readable. There are 10 or more letters in the company name but only &co show. There are no cracks or stains. Would there be any interest in this kind of stoneware still?
Answer: This is definitely one of those items I would like the opportunity to examine hands-on. The incised name is barely legible. It’s possible a pencil rubbing of the company name on tissue paper might reveal much more than a photograph. What is known, is that the stoneware was produced in Fort Edward, N.Y. That lead goes down a road that diverges in a number of different directions since Fort Edward was a major center for stoneware production during the latter half of the 19th century. Fort Edward, in the upper Hudson Valley, is strategically located for stoneware and pottery production. It is near the Hudson River, the Champlain Canal, major roadways and railroads. Inexpensive waterpower was available as was firewood for the kilns and, most importantly, clay.
At different times, there were at least 10 different stoneware manufacturers in Fort Edward whose ware was all stamped with their company name, and the words, “Fort Edward, N.Y.” So, the only legible words on this stoneware crock do not help in narrowing down the manufacturer. Company marks on the stoneware can help narrow down the options: some company names are in an arch shape, some are straight across, some have two lines, some have three. To compound matters, many of the stoneware makers were partnerships that later became independent of each other.
The close-up photograph of the mark is interesting in that the first four letters appear to be “Hax…” If this is the case, the manufacturer could be “Haxton” or “Haxton, Ottman & Co.” Since the “& Co.” is visible in the photo, and without seeing the crock in person, I would go with “Haxton, Ottman & Co.” Perhaps some of our crock collectors can help us out on this one.
The cobalt blue slip decoration of flowers is quite nice on this piece, however, not all slip painted six-gallon crocks are the same in terms of value. Those with exceptional decorations such as animals, faces, insects and beehives bring much more than those with floral decorations. Depending on the venue in which an undamaged crock such as this is sold, it could sell in the $250 to $350 range.
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Dr. Anthony J. Cavo is an honors graduate of the Asheford Institute of Antiques and a graduate of Reisch College of Auctioneering. He has extensive experience in the field of buying and selling antiques and collectibles. Cavo is also the author of Love Immortal: Antique Photographs and Stories of Dogs and Their People.
