Question:
I just purchased a nearly full set of Damask dinnerware at an estate sale in Albuquerque for $100. It’s in great condition – just one small chip on a bowl.

13 dinner plates
12 bread plates
3 smaller bread plates
12 cups with 13 saucers
5 finger bowls
8 bowls
2 larger 8" bowls (one has a small chip)
1 large platter;
2 split casseroles
1 creamer
1 suger
salt and pepper
butter dish

How much would this set be worth? And, I plan to use for everyday ware. Is it OK to wash in the dishwasher? Thanks Kate

Answer: Thank you for providing a thorough inventory list; it helps a lot in providing value estimates. I’m not sure about the identity of a couple of items on your list but the finger bowls are probably 5 inch sauce bowls and the split casseroles are probably divided vegetable dishes.

Damask sold well in its time and is quite easy to find today. However it doesn’t seem to hold much interest to collectors and values are fairly low compared to other Red Wing dinnerware patterns. You did well with your purchase of this collection for $100. An antique store would likely price this set in the $200 to $300 range or higher. Using it as your every day dinnerware is a fine idea. Damask is sturdy and should stand up well to repeated use. Now that you have the basic set and a few extras, you can look for additional pieces for your collection such as a pitcher, beverage (coffee) server, teapot, covered casserole, gravy boat, etc.

Red Wing promoted their dinnerware as "Oven Proof" and "Detergent Safe". Keep in mind most households did not own an automatic dishwasher when Red Wing Potteries closed in 1967. The only such reference I’ve seen in Red Wing promotional material was a claim to be "dishwasher safe" and "freezer proof" in an ad for the Ceramastone line, which was introduced later than Damask. I am confident your Damask dishes will not be harmed by using a dishwasher. That said, you may want to perform a test run through the washer on a couple of pieces just to be sure.

Larry