Question:
I think its great that you give free appraisals. Please tell me anything you can about this dinnerware set including value. Thank you very much. Dorothy

Answer: Thank you for the kind words! It’s good to know that our efforts are appreciated. But before addressing your question I must clear up any misconception about our evaluations. We do NOT provide free appraisals, we merely share our opinions. As stated on the Ask the Experts home page: "The values provided are estimates only, based on the opinions and experiences of our expert panel. The values do not constitute an appraisal. An appraisal must be done by a certified appraiser and usually constitutes a fee. You may be given a range of value but neither the RWCS nor the expert panel may be held legally liable for them."

The items in the photo are from the Northern Lights dinnerware pattern, one of ten patterns made in the Futura shape. A Red Wing brochure described the colors as "soft silver gray with hazy hints of turquoise, dusted with a gray fleck overglaze". A sister pattern named Golden Viking was identical in design but had colors of mustard-gold and soft brown. Red Wing called the design "contemporary Danish". Northern Lights and Golden Viking were made for only a couple of years, 1956-1957, and both patterns are rather difficult to find today.

As for value, that depends on a couple of factors. The photo is helpful but it can be difficult to identify items that are on the bottom of a stack. I see dinner plates, salad plates, a nappy (vegetable bowl), creamer, sugar, cups, and several smaller bowls. There also appears to be a platter under the sugar and creamer but I’m not certain of that. The number of plates, bowls, and cups seems to be inconsistent (8 dinner plates, 6 or 7 salad plates, 7 cups, 4 bowls). Also, there don’t appear to be any saucers to match the cups. Thus I’d consider this to be a collection of Northern Lights items, not really a set (although it is a very good start towards a set). The condition of these items was not provided and that is a major factor in evaluating dinnerware. Assuming I’ve correctly identified the items and they are all in excellent condition, the value for this collection would be $150 to $200. Damage will significantly reduce the value of a piece.

Larry