Question:
I bought three pieces of red wing at a garage sale. I have a plate that measures 8 3/8 " across. A bowl that measures 5 1/4" and a mug that is 3 1/4" high. It looks like a clown face painted on the plate. The bottom is marked Red Wing hand painted ovenproof u.s.a. 138. I cannot find a name for this pattern anywhere. Please help. Thanks for your time. DeWitt

Answer: You hit the jackpot at this garage sale. In 1958 Red Wing introduced the Harlequin Clown Baby Set which consisted of a plate, bowl and cup decorated with a clown’s face. Rather than attracting children, the clown’s face frightened them. The set sold poorly and was quickly dropped from production. Today the clown set is among the rarest of Red Wing dinnerware items. In years past a single piece from this set would sell for $500 to $1000. Values are down today but if the pieces are in excellent condition they would be worth several hundred dollars apiece in today’s market.

Larry