Lois Jurgens, a spirited 90-year-old from Nebraska, has been cherishing a stoneware crock for an impressive 40 years. This treasured item, which has weathered many harsh winters on her porch, was originally intended to be part of a yard sale she was planning.
As Lois contemplated the potential value of her heavy crock, she had a modest expectation of around $100 if it were to be auctioned instead of sold at the yard sale. She reached out to Ken Bramer, an auctioneer who happened to be preparing for an event featuring numerous antique Red Wing crocks, attracting a crowd of around 300 eager bidders.
Initially, Ken was unsure about taking on another item, as he had already finalized his promotional materials. However, he decided to pay Lois a visit to see the crock for himself. Upon arriving and examining the remarkable 30-gallon Red Wing crock, complete with molded handles and a beautiful butterfly design, he quickly recognized that it would be a standout at the auction.
Lois expressed her hope that the crock might fetch $100, but Ken reassured her that they would likely exceed that amount. “I think you’re going to be surprised,” he told her.
The auction took place on Lois’s 91st birthday, and she was busy volunteering at her church that morning, which meant she missed the initial sale of her prized possession. However, she made her way to the auction as soon as she could. When Ken spotted her arrival, he paused the bidding to present her with a fantastic birthday surprise.
In front of an excited audience, Ken announced, “We did a little better than $100. We got you $32,000!” The crowd erupted in applause, and Lois was overjoyed.
Ken explained that the 30-gallon crock was exceptionally rare, particularly because it bore the Red Wing company name stamped not once, but twice—once on the top and once on the bottom. Additionally, the crock was salt glazed, a characteristic that makes it even more valuable, as only about 20 percent of Red Wing’s salt glaze pieces were signed on the side.
These beautiful tan wares were crafted in Red Wing, Minnesota, from 1877 until around 1900. They often feature artistic cobalt blue designs representing nature, and were sealed with a brown “Albany slip” glaze on the inside to prevent the contents from seeping into the porous clay.
Collectors of Red Wing Stoneware often prize unique irregularities, making Lois’s crock even more special due to its double stamp. “Selling that rare 30-gallon Red Wing crock was one of those once-in-a-lifetime things,” Ken shared on social media.
Lois’s story serves as a delightful reminder that unexpected treasures can bring joy and excitement, especially when they come wrapped in love and memories!
