ID cobalt mark on large stoneware crock?

Would appreciate any clues as to what this cobalt blue mark is, and age/value of crock? Seems to be between 2-4 gallons (guessing). Thanks!

 

I hope someone knows the answer to this. A similar critter showed up on the AR, and was worth $$$$$$$!! My grandparents had those things all over the place... Wonder what happened to them.

 

crock by hokeypix posted Jul 13, 2015 at 6:52 PM

crock bottom by hokeypix posted Jul 13, 2015 at 6:52 PM

Some better photos of the crock, including the bottom. Maybe someone can decipher the mark?

 

I'm not so sure there is anything to "decipher." I normally think of that term when trying to read bad handwriting.

The upper part does look like a very loose 4, but the rest may be some kind of swirly mark that has a name among crock collectors. Think "bee sting" although isn't one. Have you considered contacting Crocker Farm?

 

Thanks - what's crocker farm?

 

http://www.crockerfarm.com/

 

Wouldya look at that! Thanks, all. When do you suppose it's from? Would you sat $100 - 150. is a general ballpark value? (no chips that I can see).

 

Does size matter with crocks, assuming the decoration is similar? (Just in general terms, wondering). They also had a plain crock, small, but with no decoration (but more of a neck) and also an even smaller butter crock, but the butter crock had a generic looking graphic of a woman (perhaps with a bonnet) and the word BUTTER which struck me as a souvenir-type piece, even if older. And a large chip. Thoughts....?

 

So glad you dropped by, Don. I would never have thought to call that a bee sting. Guess I'm so used to the really fancy ones, simple one just didn't ring any bells.

 

Agree that this is a basic bee sting mark and that it is a stylized 4 above it for 4 gallons. This one looks to be in great shape and the 4 gal. size is not very common.

These crocks are still strong in my central IL location. I can never touch them at auction with enough room for resale. Always over $100.00 and sometimes they really take off beyond what they should. You can sometimes buy them cheaper in shops than you can at auction.

 

Hi,
Here on the East Coast. I sold 20 of my collection from 1 gallon to 40 gallons. This was in 2008 I got from 10 bucks for the smallest to 30 bucks for my 40 gallons ones. The most money came from the 3 gallons to 5 gallons. Not many people had room for the 15/20 gallons. they were the last to go.
greg

 

In the Midwest crocks do VERY well and the bigger the better. Bee sting decoration is considered very desirable.
Don