Lidded 3 gallon crock

1840-1880

Maker

Probably R.J. Grier Pottery (1828-1902)

Measurements

11 in x 12 in x 11-1/2 in (dia of lid), crock is 11 in (dia)

Materials

Cobalt-blue decorated salt-glaze stoneware

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, purchased with the H. Rodney Sharp Endowment Fund

Accession Number

1968.870

Inscription

“3” is stamped into the sidewall under one handle.

Condition Notes

The knob finial on the lid is chipped, and a flake has come out of the rim above the "3" impressed mark.

Provenance

Early accession file notes say the crock was purchased from George Thomas.

Comments

This large cylindrical crock has opposing lug handles near the thickened rim.  The lug handles were separate applications to the body, but they attach fully without an opening or loop.  A "3" stamped into the body below one of the handles indicates the 3-gallon capacity of the crock.  The crock has a lid.

Attribution to the Grier Pottery is based on the style of cobalt-blue decoration.  The wide band of tulip-like flowers encircling the body near the rim has rows of finger-like leaves below a rounded flower head that indicate probably manufacture by that pottery.  The pottery was established by Ralph Grier and subsequently run by his nephew Ralph and son John (R.J. Grier Pottery).