Hi Brent,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Crary Pottery operated in Bluff Springs, Florida, about 50 miles north of Pensacola. The pottery was started by John Crary II and his two sons. The Crary family also had other business interests in that area before branching into pottery. Their stoneware was utilitarian — mostly storage crocks, churns, jugs, and similar pieces. They used two main glazes: Albany slip and Bristol slip.

The business was relatively short-lived: it ran from 1933 to 1939. Because of this, their pieces are rare and while this doesn't always translate to higher values, in this instance, this 8-gallon stoneware crock would have a fair-market estimate for auction at $1,000-1,500 if it were not for the loss in the lid, which brings its value down to $700-1,000 (note that most 20th Century stoneware crocks don't bring quite this much, typically less than $500.)

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A late vintage Depression-era Albany slip demi glazed 8-gallon stoneware crock
Made by Crary Potterys, Blufton Springs, FLA, circa 1933-1939
Of circular section, the ovoid body with recessed-handle lid, double loop handles, tapering cylindrical body, impressed "CRARY POTTERYS / Blufton Springs /FLA.
18 inches tall
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: Unknown
$ 700-1,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia