#69 • Twelve-Gallon Stoneware Storage Crock

Part of The Colonel Sanders Artifact Collection (live auction by The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)

High bid $650.00

Status: Sold

Description Offered here is a substantial antique twelve-gallon stoneware storage crock from the kitchen of Blackwood Hall, the longtime home of Colonel Harland and Claudia Sanders. Standing approximately 19½ inches tall and measuring roughly 15½ inches in diameter, this impressive vessel would have served as a practical workhorse in a traditional American kitchen. Large stoneware crocks like this were commonly used for preparing and storing pickles, sauerkraut, cured vegetables, preserves, and other pantry staples before the era of modern refrigeration. Decorated with a hand-applied cobalt blue "12" capacity mark, the crock reflects the durable craftsmanship and utilitarian design that made stoneware indispensable in kitchens throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Whether used by Colonel and Claudia Sanders or simply furnishing the kitchen during their years at Blackwood Hall, this crock represents an authentic piece of the home where family meals were prepared, guests were welcomed, and countless gatherings took place. More than a functional kitchen vessel, it is a surviving artifact from the domestic life of one of America's most recognizable families. Historical Significance The kitchen at Blackwood Hall was far more than a place to prepare meals. It was the heart of the home, where Colonel and Claudia Sanders entertained friends, hosted visitors from around the world, and shared the hospitality for which they became known. Large stoneware crocks such as this remained kitchen staples for generations, valued for their durability and their ability to preserve food long before refrigeration became commonplace. As an original furnishing from Blackwood Hall, this piece offers a tangible connection to the everyday routines that unfolded behind the public image of Colonel Sanders. Provenance From the Claudia Sanders Dinner House Collection. This crock was located in the kitchen of Blackwood Hall and descends from the Settle family collection. The Settle family were longtime friends of Colonel and Claudia Sanders and preserved the contents of Blackwood Hall following their stewardship of the property. Condition Displays expected age, wear, surface discoloration, and evidence of long-term use and storage consistent with an antique stoneware vessel. Prospective bidders are encouraged to review all photographs and conduct their own inspection regarding condition, repairs, chips, cracks, restorations, and overall preservation.