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From: John
Remote Name: 209.247.222.25
Cracks like this are commonly known as firing cracks. Cracks happen. Stoneware shrinks about 7-10% when it is fired. Handles were slip attached to the body prior to firing and may not have been exactly the same density as the body and therefore would shrink at a different rate, sometimes causing a crack to appear at the attachment point. Whether or not this effects the value is really up to the individual collector. Some wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole and others may see it as something one must sometimes live with. It all depends on how badly one feels they must have the piece. Will another come along soon, or is it so scarce that it must be purchased even with the flaw.