Question:
My Daughters family of 6 house burned compleatly to the ground. She inherited from us a 106 peice set of "orleans" pattern of Red Wing potters. all in mint condition. A service for 18 cups, saucers, dinner plate, salad plate,sauce dish. A sugar and creamer,1 tea pot,2 med &1 lg Platers,4 small dishes w/lids,2 sets salt and pepper shackers, 2 serving bowls.Need value for insurence. All brocken and blackened by fire, Thank you, ASP/Jan C.

Answer:
Jan, Thank you for providing a thorough description of the Orleans collection. I can readily provide an estimated value based on the information you’ve given. Book value for this collection is around $2000, assuming all pieces are in excellent condition. This figure would be considered replacement or "retail" value. In other words, what one could expect to pay an knowledgeable antique dealer to purchase such a large set. This is not the same as the value a potential seller of such a collection should expect to realize. Thanks Larry