– A rare four-gallon stoneware crock with folky decoration of a cat and a mouse became the top lot at North Star Auction Galleries first anniversary auction on September 20.

The McQuoid crock, which had been purchased more than 35 years ago and had remained in the collection of Stan and Gloria Bryer, opened for bidding at $5,000 with a great deal of activity coming from the floor and the four active telephone bidders.

A buyer in the gallery eventually came away with the piece paying $22,660, including premium.

A complete review of the auction will appear in a future issue.