DEAR MIKE,
I recently found this crock in my parents' basement and it is different than the other crocks we have. It is marked "J.A. Thisle Noted For Good & Cheap Tea, Brampton, Ontario." I would think it would have been for holding tea.
How old is it and how valuable would it be?
-- Freda R., Winnipeg
DEAR FREDA,
You have a wonderful decorated crock. The finish on it is known as salt glaze, a textured finish that results when salt is thrown into the oven when the crock is being fired. The blue decoration makes these crocks very desirable.
The number 2 on the side means the crock can hold two gallons. It is a utility crock, which I'm sure was originally used for holding tea, as you suggest. This type of container with a business name on it is known as a merchant crock.
This item would date from the late 1800s. These types of crocks are the most desirable to collectors today. Without any chips or cracks, a crock like yours could sell for $400 to $700.
Mike Huen is an antique dealer and owner of Mike's General Store in Winnipeg. If you would like to have an item appraised, please include a photo with your question. E-mail questions to mike@mikesgeneralstore.com, and put 'Free Press' in subject line, or write to Mike's Appraisals, 52 St. Anne's Rd., Winnipeg, MB, R2M 2Y3.
PREVIOUS
