But it's the old crockery that seems to hold folks' attention. Old crockery jugs were often used to hold wine and whiskey. Lard crocks with open tops would have been used for such purposes as fermenting sauerkraut. Today, folks are more likely to buy old crocks for their decorative value, putting them in a corner or stairwell or filling them with flowers. Crocks are set apart by their glazes.
Some people only collect certain colors or patterns.
Nearly every region of the country had a crockery works that used local clay, so regional differences can be important to collectors. Collectors will find a variety of crocks in lots of different colors, shapes and sizes. Crocks are still quite easy to find at most antique shops and flea markets.