SPARKS, MD. — Crocker Farm’s Summer 2025 auction of American stoneware and redware was conducted from July 30 through August 9. Finishing on top of all 570 lots was a five-gallon J. & E. Norton stoneware crock featuring an image of a deer reclining on top of a hill in front of a house. The circa 1855 cylindrical crock was stamped “J. & E. Norton / Bennington, Vt” and it was decorated with a slip-trailed design of a spotted stag, a house, shrubbery and trees. From the James Chebalo collection, “This work’s large size and combination of an array of desirable Norton design elements place it among the best Norton pieces with single deer decoration that we have ever offered,” according to the auction catalog. The 13-inch-high crock rose well beyond its $10/20,000 estimate, ultimately selling for $72,000, including buyer’s premium. Additional highlights from the auction will be featured in an upcoming issue.