Greg:
That is a very handy, desirable, collectible piece - congratulations! They are perfect for holiday entertaining where you want to keep something like soup hot, and they're great for long, slow simmering.
They will do everything a Crock-Pot will, and a whole lot more. I've got one on my "find" list, and hopefully one will turn up soon. My Farberware electric skillet turned up at Goodwill for next to nothing, which is amazing, because that store has an industrial-strength reputation for overpricing.