From: Gary Tefft / locustent@aol.com
Location: Menomonee Falls, WI
Date: 12/9/99
Time: 10:35:40 PM
Well Jose Allen, let's see what you have there.
You described the logo on the first jar as being a star inside a circle. If there is also a circle INSIDE THE STAR, the jar was most likely made by the Star Stoneware Company of Crooksville, Ohio. That company started doing business in 1892 and lasted until the 1950's. I'm unsure of the exact age of this particular piece and whether in was "Early" or "Late" in the life of the company. Generally, (and only generally) the use of a brown interior glaze suggests production in a bygone time.
I don't have much more reliable information on the products of this company, but I can tell you that they were missidentified twenty years ago as being produced by the North Star Stoneware Company of Red Wing, Minn. They absolutely were not. As for value, I don't believe that Star Stoneware's ware has any particular collector following, but two-toned stoneware is desirable for its decorative value.
The bean pot is a product of the Robbinson-Ransbottom Pottery Company of Roseville, Ohio. They have been around since early in this century and are still in business.
The other two pieces will serve you well as planters.
-Gary-