Question:
I have the opportunity to purchase a red wing water cooler in the bobwhite design. It is approximately 2 gallons and comes with a lid, spigot and base. There is a bobwhite on the front of the cooler and the base has 4 bobwhites that circle it. It is also marked red wing. It is in prestine condition. I am being offered it for $100.00. My only problem is that I cannot find any information on it. A friend of mine has a book and cannot locate it in his book either. The lady that wants to sell it to me states she bought it about 40 years ago. Is this a legitimate piece? What is the value of it if it is a good piece? Any information is greatly appreciated! Donna

Answer: $100 for a Bob White water cooler with base and spigot in mint condition would be a real bargain. Such a set is worth $500 or more. Bob White is one of a few Red Wing dinnerware patterns for which a water cooler was made. Bob White was introduced in 1954 and was made until the Potteries closed in 1967, so the 40 year timeframe seems accurate. Without inspecting the piece I cannot verify that it is authentic but nothing in your description would lead me to believe otherwise. Bob White was Red Wing’s best selling dinnerware pattern and it remains very popular with collectors today. The Bob White water cooler is not rare but demand is greater than the supply.

Larry