Question:
Hi I have recently acquired a set of "Tweed Tex" from the Anniversary collection from my mom. Can you tell me if the paint and/or glaze that they used is lead based and if its ok to eat on and use in the oven or microwave oven. Thanks very much. Sue

Answer: It’s my understanding most of the glazes used by Red Wing contained lead. If the glaze is intact, the dishes are safe to use. Pieces with chips, cracks or crazing (fine lines) in the glaze should probably not be used for eating purposes.

Red Wing promoted its dinnerware as being "oven-proof" so there should be no problem using your Tweed Tex in the oven. But no Red Wing promotional literature mentions use in microwaves because the pottery closed in 1967, years before microwaves became the everyday household appliance they are today. Trial and error is the only way to learn. Our family has used Red Wing’s Ceramastone dinnerware in the microwave for years with no problem, but I can’t speak for Tweed Tex or other patterns in the Anniversary line. Most likely they will be fine but you may want to test with a stained or slightly damaged piece.

Larry