Question:
hi…i am trying to locate what i think may be an older set of red wing pottery lotus pattern…they were my grandmothers and do not have a ‘wing’ just an ‘R W’ in the center and ‘hand painted red wing pottery’ in a circle around the ‘r w’ any ideas on age and where i can get that particular signature on them? thanks…

Answer: The Lotus pattern was introduced in the late 1940s. The oval shaped ink stamp with the R W letters was used for a few years in the late 1940s. The more familiar reddish-pink wing shaped ink stamp replaced the oval shaped mark in 1950. Thus your Lotus items were made prior to 1950 and were among the earlier pieces in Lotus production. Most collectors pay little attention to which mark is on their items but some feel it is important to have them all marked the same. Sorry, but I have no idea where to find Lotus pieces with the oval RW mark. Like any other collector looking for a special item you’ll have to search shops, shows and auctions to find Lotus items with the mark you seek.

Larry