Question:
I have an incomplete set of Redwing dinnerware: 8 dinner plates, 7 saucers, 7 dessert plates, 6 small bowls, and 5 teacups. I also have a platter, serving bowl, creamer, and salt & pepper shakers. Many of the pieces have small chips on the backs of them. The design is green leaves with rose red and yellow flowers on oblong shaped dishes. The were a wedding present to my parents in 1955. What would they be worth today?

Answer: The name of this pattern is Caprice, one of two patterns made in the Fancy Free shape. Caprice was introduced in 1952 and made for only a couple of years. It is not an easy pattern to find today but it is not a popular with collectors as Desert, its sister pattern. The rims on Fancy Free plates and bowls roll over and curve downward. This feature makes them very liable to chips and nicks on the underside of the rim.

In excellent condition the pieces listed here would be worth $200-250. Any damage (chips, nicks, flakes, hairlines, cracks, stains) reduces the value considerably.

Larry