Lotus Dinnerware | Red Wing Collectors Society | Red Wing Pottery, Union Stoneware, North Star, Art Pottery, Dinnerware

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Question:
I have just come across an almost complete set of Lotus Dinner Ware which was hand painted in 1952. I have twelve dinner plates, salad plates,B. and B. plates, coffee cups and saucers as well as a sugar bowl, creamer, vegetable dish, gravy boat and chop plate. How can I find out how much this set is worth now? I have the old Red Wing price list with the set when dinner plates were $1.75 each.

Answer: The items listed comprise a very nice set of basic Lotus serving pieces, but this is definitely not an "almost complete set". It does not include valuable accessory pieces such as the teapot, water pitcher, covered beverage server, egg plate, supper trays, butter dish, salt & pepper, relish, casserole, etc.

Lotus flatware is hand painted, but the exteriors of Lotus hollowware (creamer, cups, etc) were available in three colors: Metallic brown, chartreuse, or gray. The color of your items would influence interest from potential buyers and thus could be a factor in the value. Metallic brown is the most common color; gray the the least common.

Retail value for your set would be in the range of $300 to $400. This assumes all pieces are in excellent condition. Chips, cracks, flakes, hairlines, stains, etc will reduce the value considerably.

You also mentioned an "old Red Wing price list". Most likely this is a Lotus sales brochure. Vintage Red Wing prices lists and sales brochures are of great interest to collectors. A Lotus brochure from the early 1950s would be worth $25 or more in good condition.

Larry