Question:
I have received my grandmothers dishes – I know that they are redwing pottery. Please let me know what they are called and if you know of anyone who has some that they would like to sell. It is an eggplant color with Iris like flowers on the front. I have included a picture for you to see. I know that she probably started collecting them around the 1950′s. Thank you for your time.

Answer:
Iris is the name of this pattern and it is considered by many collectors to be the prettiest Red Wing dinnerware pattern. It is one of many patterns in the Concord shape. Iris was introduced in 1951 and produced until 1956. Hollow ware was available in two exterior colors: mulberry and chartreuse. So besides the eggplant colored pieces in your collection, there are also chartreuse Iris pieces.

Iris sold reasonably well but was not among Red Wing’s best selling patterns. Iris is by no means rare but good Iris pieces can be difficult to find today. But Iris does routinely turn up in antique shops and on eBay. The hunt for desired pieces is what makes collecting fun!

Larry