Question:

I have a bright orange teapot shaped like a pumpkin and a sugar bowl to match. Number on bottom of teapot is 235. What do you know about this piece? I inherited this piece many years ago.

Thanks. Sue

Answer:

The pumpkin-shaped teapot 235 was part of the broad Gypsy Trail Hostess Ware accessory line that was introduced in 1940. Hostess Ware was designed to be mixed and matched with any of the four Gypsy Trail dinnerware patterns. Hostess Ware was made in numerous bright and pastel colors to match the patterns. Red Wing did not make a sugar bowl to go with the pumpkin teapot, so without a photo or other details that show otherwise I do not believe the sugar bowl was made by Red Wing Potteries. The teapot was produced into the mid-1940s and apparently sold well as they are quite common today. Value for a 235 teapot in excellent condition is $30-50.

Larry