Question:
Hello, I recently purchased a red wing piece that I haven’t heard of. Have you ever heard of Red Wing Provincial Ware? It is an impressed stoneware pan – the measurements are: 7 1/4" long base, 9" long mouth, 2 3/8" tall. "REDWING PROVINCIALWARE 25" is impressed clearly on one side. It has a mottled finish with some age checkering. It is in excellent condition. I have looked through all my books, and have not been able to find any information on this piece. I have been collecting red wing for about 4-5 years. Mainly started out with larger size crocks. I have gotten more serious in the pieces I now collect. I also own a 1/2 gallon salt glaze North Star jug, in mint condition. I really appreciate your time in helping me. I printed out a membership application tonight, and will be mailing it in right away. I didn’t know if I needed to be a member before asking any questions on this site. Once again, thank you so much for your
time. Candi L.

Answer:
Candi, Welcome to the RWCS! Always good to hear from our new members. Your Red Wing Provincial Cooking Ware piece dates to the World War II era. Metals were in short supply for consumers during the war years, and Red Wing offered Provincial Cooking Ware to fill the void. The line consists of casseroles in several sizes, bean pots, stock pot, shallow cooking dishes and a frying pan. The exteriors were bisque (unglazed) and tan in color while the interiors and covers had a rust colored glaze. As you noted, the exterior sides of these pieces was stamped "Red Wing Provincial Ware" along with the stock number of the item. I believe you have the frying pan.

This line is not popular with collectors today for a couple of reasons. The bisque clay absorbed grease and soil during use; most pieces found today look dirty and don’t clean up well. Occasionally a vintage unused piece turns up and the colors are quite striking. Such a piece would have more value than the usual dirty-looking pieces. This line included only cooking pieces — no plates, bowls, cups or other serving pieces that collectors prefer.

In the 1960s Red Wing re-introduced this line with several changes from the original 1940s cook ware line. A tan glaze covered the exterior to help keep them clean. The cooking pieces were marked Red Wing USA on the bottom rather than markings on the side. And serving pieces (plates, bowls, cups, sugar & creamer, etc) were available to go with the cook ware. Serving pieces are rust colored and are in the Village Green shape.

Larry