Question:
Does the 1986 Red Wing Convention Society piece have on a stamp on the bottom or does it also have some writing on the front. Thank you for answering the question. Ray

Answer:

The 1986 RWCS commemorative is an Acid Proof Measure. It resembles a coffee cup with a large pouring lip. On the side of the commemorative under the pour lip is a blue rectangle that contains the following text (also in blue): "Acid Proof Measure, Union Stoneware Co. Red Wing, – Minn."

The bottom of the commemorative is marked with a text inside a circle, again in blue. The text states: "Red Wing Collectors Society, 1986 Convention July 10-12". Below the circle are the letters "W.S. Co.". This is an abbreviation for Western Stoneware Company, maker of the commemorative.

It is not uncommon to find this piece with the 1986 convention logo on the bottom in black (rather than blue) and with no markings on the side. It’s my understanding these were made for the RWCS but were rejected and left unfinished because the wrong color had been used for the bottom mark. To recoup their costs Western Stoneware sold the rejects at the Pottery Barn, their retail outlet for seconds and overruns.