Stoneware crock with cobalt blue '2' decoration by Red Wing Pottery

This salt-glazed stoneware crock was produced by Red Wing Pottery in Minnesota between 1883 and 1895. The distinctive cobalt blue numeral '2' indicates its two-gallon capacity, a common sizing method used by American pottery companies during this period. Red Wing crocks are highly valued by collectors of American folk pottery and antique kitchenware enthusiasts. These utilitarian vessels were originally used for food storage and preservation in rural households, making them important artifacts of 19th-century domestic life. The simple cobalt decoration and honey-colored glaze exemplify the practical yet aesthetically pleasing design that makes these pieces sought after for both historical collections and as decorative elements in country and farmhouse interior design.