Question:
In the 1940′s in Minnesota my mother purchased service for 12 dinnerware in the Morning Glory Red pattern. Some pieces are now missing are slightly chipped or crazed, but I’d like to find out how much they might be worth and where to go to get the best price for them. She has the large dinner plates (these have the most wear), salad plates, cups & saucers, buffet trays (dinnerware designed for putting your food and cup on the same plate) as well as a couple of casseroles, and some other serving pieces. I see a fair amount of the blue morning glory on eBay, etc. but not much of the red. Any info you can give be would be most welcome. Thanks!

Answer:
Morning Glory Pink is a pretty pattern but doesn’t seem to be highly
collected. Supply appears to be greater than the demand. Common
plates, cups, saucers and bowls don’t attract much attention or many
dollars. Value for these in excellent condition would be in the $5 to
$10 range. Chipped or cracked pieces will have minimal value.

Less common pieces such as your buffet trays (Red Wing called them
Supper Service trays) have greater value. These trays were made in
two sizes: 10.5" rounded square (similar shape to the dinner plate)
and 12" x 9" rectangular shape. Both of these were divided into
three sections and had a place to rest a cup. In excellent condition
the value of these trays would be in the $25 to $35 range apiece.
Casseroles in excellent condition are worth around $25.

I don’t advise people on how to sell their items. eBay is an obvious
option but involves some work for the seller. A local auction house
may be a possibility if it attracts Red Wing collectors. An antique
dealer may purchase your entire set but will not offer retail
prices. Consignment shops are another option. Consignment sellers
are also becoming more prevalent on eBay; you simply drop off your
items and let the consignment seller handle the rest. Of course the
seller takes a cut of the sale so you realize less in return. Each
option has pros and cons. You need to decide what is most important
to you — quick sale of all items, little or no work, highest
possible price, etc. Thanks Jeff and Sue