Question:
Hello, Red Wing Experts! We recently rented a friend’s Aunt Agnes’ cottage in Redgranite WI and were delighted to find it stocked with a nearly full set of Bob White dinnerware. I trembled every time we washed the dishes, worried that we’d chip something…or worse yet shatter a piece. (Next time, I’ll take our own dishes and just admire the Red Wings.) In any event, I’d love to be able to tell Agnes what her fabulous collection might be worth. Would you please provide an estimated value for the following Bob Whites, all in excellent shape: 7 dinner plates (one with a small chip) 8 mid-size plates 6 cups/saucers Oblong bowl with "handles" Salt/pepper shakers Appetizer bird (spots for toothpicks with olives or cheese) 4 rectangular appetizer/sandwich (?) plates Pitcher (I believe there were more pieces in the hutch, but I can’t remember what they were) Thanks! – Cathy B. P.S. Sorry, no photos.

Answer: Bob White was Red Wing’s most popular and best selling dinnerware pattern. It was introduced in 1954 and continued to be a best seller when the pottery closed in 1967. It remains very popular with collectors today. Because it sold so well, basic Bob White pieces such as plates, bowls, cups and saucers are readily available today. The higher values are in the less common accessory pieces. I’ll provide values for the pieces you’ve named as best I can.

Dinner plate: $10 to $15
Salad or Bread plate: $7 to $10
Cup & Saucer: $10 to $15
Oblong bowl with handles — sorry, I cannot identify this piece
Salt & Pepper (tall hourglass style): $25-$30 per pair
Salt & Pepper (bird shape): $25-$30 per pair
Appetizer bird: $30-$40
Cocktail tray (rectangular plate): $35-$40
Pitcher 60oz (11.5" tall): $20-$30
Pitcher 112oz: (14" tall) $75-$150

All values assume excellent condition. Chips, cracks, hairlines, flakes and other damage reduce values significantly.

Larry