Salt Glazed and Brown Jugs

Minnesota Stoneware Signed One Gallon Shoulder Jug in Salt Glaze 129.99 USD	Minnesota Stoneware Signed Half Gallon Brown Common Jug 59.99 USD

The Red Wing stoneware companies used either salt or brown "Albany slip" to glaze their wares from 1877 until about 1895. These glazing techniques were then gradually fazed out through 1900 in favor of white glazing.

To salt glaze these early wares, the stoneware companies literally threw rock salt into raging hot kilns as their wares were being fired. The salt would explode in the high heat of the kiln, covering all of the wares with a thick, hardened, glassy surface that would bond chemically with the stoneware.

The salt glaze also coated the interior surface of the kiln. As these thick layers of salt glaze accumulated, they would often melt and drip blobs of darkened glaze onto the wares. Today, collectors call these blobs "turkey droppings" and they add to the character of the wares.

The Red Wing stoneware companies produced jugs in standard sizes ranging from less than one pint to twenty gallons. Jugs were used by homesteaders, schools and businesses alike to store every type of liquid imaginable.

The stoneware companies of Red Wing, Minnesota produced stoneware items shortly after their inception in 1877 until the mid-1940's. The shapes of these items ranged widely. However, one overriding attribute describes them all: they were designed to be used. In fulfilling the needs of a developing America, the stoneware companies were hugely successful and their wares were very popular. The popularity of their wares has only increased over time making collecting Red Wing a growing field and exciting hobby!

If you aren't finding what you want, please let us know! - Sales Manager