Question:
Question for Larry R. I have inherited my parent’s dinnerware set for 12. On the bottom of each piece it says, " Red Wing Pottery, Hand Painted" in blue ink. The design looks like free hand pink flower and green leaves. all bowls have little handles. It all looks hand made. They purchased it in the 1950′s. My question is, is the pottery LEAD FREE and ok for food? Thank you, Myra Kelley

Answer: It is my understanding that dinnerware glazes used by Red Wing contained lead, but how much and what danger they pose I do not know. Generally if the glaze is intact the piece can be considered safe to use. Pieces with chips, cracks and other breaks in the glaze have a greater likelihood of exposing the user to lead so it is best to avoid using them to serve food.

Larry