dated 1890s vintage crock, antique stoneware jar w/ wire bail wood handle

We love this old stoneware crock jar, even though it's cracked and chipped. It seems to be holding well, and has a sturdy wire bail handle. There's a 1896 patent date on this.

The crock is about 10" tall, 9" in diameter, made to take a lid about 6 1/4" or 6 1/2". We have no lid, and don't know it the original lid would have been crockery or wood.