How Do You Identify An Antique Stoneware Crock?
Stoneware was once an almost universal material in American homes. The versatile, nonporous ceramic made ideal containers of all kinds, including the ubiquitous stoneware crock. Stoneware is made of gray and tan clays fired to a high temperature. As there were few American producers prior to 1800, most existing antique stoneware crocks date from the 19th century. Look for a glassy appearance on the surface of the crock. The glassy look is the result of a process called vitrification, in which the clays turn into a material that has properties similar to glass. Feel the surface of the crock. Part of the process of glazing antique stoneware involved throwing handfuls of salt at the vessel. The technique left an uneven, pebble-like surface. Observe the shape of the vessel. Genuine antique stoneware crocks resemble the kinds of pots used to make baked beans. Taller pots tend to be widest in the middle, with often prominent lips. Shorter pots will usually be of even diameter with no pronoun
