Question:
Hi, Thanks for the great website. I have a Red Wing pitcher that I just can’t seem to identify. It also has "Pat. Pending" on the bottom. Can you please any info you can about this it. Much Appreciate!

Answer: After the successful introduction of several Gypsy Trail dinnerware patterns, Red Wing introduced a line of accessory pieces under the name Gypsy Trail Hostess Ware. The earliest Hostess Ware catalog I’ve seen is dated April 1940. Hostess Ware was glazed with the same bright and pastel colors used for the Gypsy Trail dinnerware patterns and was intended to be mixed and matched with any of them.

Your pitcher is included in the April 1940 catalog but not in the June 1942 or later catalogs, thus it was made for about two years. The catalog refers to the shape as "Streamlined" and calls this piece a water jug. It is assigned shape #189 in the catalog. Four items were made in this Streamlined shape: water jug, casserole (2 sizes), teapot (2 sizes) and covered ice box jug.

The value for your turquoise Streamlined water jug would be $40-50 in excellent condition. Any damage reduces the value significantly.

Larry