Question:
Can you tell me if this is called a cookie jar, I have seen it listed as a bean pot. Also how can I tell if it is an older piece or new piece. It is about 8" tall and 8" wide at the top and on the bottom it says: red wing usa in letters about 1/4 inch tall. Also what would be the appox. price. Thanks for any help you can give me. Adrienne

Answer: The Village Green pattern was introduced in 1952 and continued to be made until Red Wing Potteries closed in 1967. Company price lists and brochures list this item as a bean pot, not a cookie jar, although an owner could certainly use it as a cookie jar if desired. The bean pot in the photo is the standard 2 quart size; a 4 quart bean pot was also made. The 2 quart Village Green bean pot is easy to find today and in excellent condition is worth $20-30. The 4 quart size is much less common. To my knowledge the Village Green pattern has not been reproduced so concerns about older vs new piece are likely unfounded. Not all bean pots were marked RED WING USA like yours. New molds were made over the many years of production and some of them do not include a company name.

Larry