Question:
I have inherited red wing dinnerware from my grandmother and am interested in finding out the value as well as assistance in selling the whole lot, which I know consists of the following (there are other pieces I do not know what to label). 13 coffee cups 19 saucers 7 salad plates 14 dinner plates 13 bread plates 7 cause bowls 7 salad/soup bowls 1 relish dish 2 appetizer dishes 1 oil and vinegar set w/iron holder 1 tea jug 1 tall salt and pepper shaker 1 bob white salt and pepper set 1 tea pot 1 cookie jar sugar and milk holders bob white appetizer holder yes, some of them have hairline cracks and some have chips, but for the most part the lot is in very good condition. It has been stored in a cubbard for as long as I can remember and likely never used. My wife loves the pieces, but is afraid they are too delicate to use and we lack the storage space for it all. Any help you can provide is much appreciated. I have more group photos, but not individual shots.

Answer: Bob White pattern was Red Wing’s best selling dinnerware pattern, and it remains popular with collectors today. Because it sold so well there is a large supply of common everyday pieces. Plates, coffee cups, saucers, and small bowls are readily available; the value for them is $5 to $15 apiece in excellent condition. Any damage to these items makes them worth very little since collectors can easily find undamaged pieces.

Your photo also shows a large number of accessory pieces, including several that are rather hard to find. Here are approximate values for the pieces in the photo that I can identify. All values assume excellent, undamaged condition. Slight damage (nick) reduces value 25-50%, significant damage (cracks, chips) reduces value 50-75%.

Double warmer stand (iron with two pottery handles) & 20" platter: $75
2 quart casseroles: $25 each
1 quart casserole on copper warmer stand: $50.
(Bob White initially came with iron stands; these were replaced by copper stands in 1957.)
Relish dish (3 sections): $25
Gravy boat & cover (single handle): $25-30.
Warmer stand (pottery, round with cut out holes on sides): $50 by itself, but would also go well with the 2 gallon water cooler seen in the far back of the photo.
Water cooler & cover: $250-300
Teapot & cover: $50-75
Water pitcher 60oz: $25-30
Appetizer bird: $25
Salt & pepper shakers: $25/pair for both styles
Oil & vinegar cruets with stoppers & iron stand: $150-200
Cookie jar & cover: $50-75

As for selling your set, 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)
5) Shipping expense and breakage

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. This might work well for some of the more valuable accessory 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 owner.

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) Antique or pottery-specific auctions:
Red Wing-specific auctions occasionally take place 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. Online ads on sites such as Craigslist are growing in popularity and might be a viable option.