Question:
Hi My mother has a complete set of the Kashmir Like China Pattern dinnerware. It has been boxed up and is in mint condition. I beleive it is a 12 piece place setting. I know she has a pitcher, two platters and 2 or 3 serving dishes. We were just wondering what the value of this may be? How would we go about selling it? My mother is trying to decide if she should sell it or give it to a family member. We appreciate any information you could give us. Thank you- Patsy Opsal

Answer: Kashmir was one of Red Wing’s later dinnerware patterns. It was introduced in 1964 as a pattern in the Like China line. Kashmir is quite popular with collectors and has a relatively high value.

However, I cannot provide a useful estimate of the value of this collection without a more accurate listing of the items included. The description states this is "a 12 piece place setting", along with several accessory pieces. Is this really a single place setting that includes 12 pieces, or is it a set of 12 place settings? Plates, bowls, cups, saucers and other common serving pieces have value, but the highest value pieces are accessories such as teapots, casseroles, S&P shakers, etc. If this set consists of less than 20 pieces as described, it would be probably be worth $100 to $150 if the pieces are all in excellent condition. For a more accurate estimate I would need a more accurate and complete listing of the collection.

As for selling, here is my reply to a previously posted question:

Without knowing a lot more about you and your expectations, I cannot advise you on how to sell your items. There are several important factors to consider when selling a collection of Red Wing dinnerware:
1) Speed of sale
2) Time and effort on your part
3) Price expectations
4) Your location (reaching potential buyers)

Here are several ways a person can sell items, along with pros and cons of that method.

a) On line auction (eBay):
Regardless of your location, this is the best way to reach the most potential buyers. Speed of sale and a good price are favorable. But listing items yourself requires significant effort on your part as you must take photos, create the listing (accuracy is imperative), set up billing, pack and ship the item, and deal with any potential problems with the transaction (breakage, non-paying bidders, etc). Cost of shipping can be an issue with large items or numerous pieces.

b) On line auction using a trading partner:
You bring your items to a business that specializes in listing items on eBay. They handle the "time and effort" issues for you but take a cut from the sales price. Results in less work but also less money for the seller.

c) Sell to a local antique dealer:
Location is important here. This is a viable option if you live in an area where Red Wing is widely collected (upper Midwest) but perhaps not so viable in other areas of the country. Selling to a dealer is quick and doesn’t require much effort, but you won’t realize full price because the dealer needs to make a profit on reselling the items.

d) Consignment shop:
Here you retain ownership of the item until it sells. Location is important because you need a shop that will attract Red Wing collectors. Being in an "touristy" area or an area with numerous antique shops helps. Effort required is low, and usually you can set your own price. Speed of transaction can be slow and the shop owner will take a cut from the sales price.

e) Local Auction:
Again, location is a major factor. If you live in an area with a lot of Red Wing collectors, a well-publicized auction will likely draw potential buyers. A few Red Wing pieces in a local general interest auction won’t get much attention. A consignment auction featuring antiques is a better bet; these are usually well-publicized to local collectors. Auctions result in a quick sale with minimal effort, but reaching potential buyers is a concern and you have little control over the selling price. And the auctioneer will take a cut of the sales price.

f) Red Wing or pottery-specific auctions:
For the most part these take place only in Minnesota and surrounding states. Members of the Red Wing Collectors Society receive information about some of these auctions through the club newsletter; others can be found via antique publications and websites. Price realized will likely be higher than most venues. The auctioneer will take a cut of the sales price, and it may require some effort to connect with an auctioneer. Depending on the calendar, it may be a while before your item is scheduled to sell. But these auctions are usually well-publicized and should get your item before a good-sized and interested audience. Transportation of your item to the auction location is a consideration.

g) Classified ad:
In years past an ad in an antique publication was the best way to reach potential buyers, but with the widespread use of computers today print ads don’t pack the same punch. Worth considering but probably not the best option for most sellers.

You could also consider advertising in the Red Wing Collectors Society Newsletter a bi-montly pubication. Please contact our business office for rate and publication information at 800-977-7927.