Question:
Hi Red Wing experts! I purchased a piece of Red Wing pottery at an estate sale approximately 10 years ago. It is a green Rooster serving/storage bowl. It has the long "R" underlining the word "RED-WING" and below it is U.S.A. It is also stamped with the number 249 below U.S.A. Can you tell me about this piece? Thank you for your help! Sorry but iI’m not able to send a picture – my camera is on the fritz. Leslie

Answer: Your 249 rooster is a covered casserole. Red Wing also made an identical but smaller sized marmite (individual casserole) marked number 250, as well as a marmite and casserole in the shape of a fish. These pieces were among a large group of colorful pieces sold as Gypsy Trail Hostess Ware. During World War II most metals were reserved for the war effort and not available for consumer use. Red Wing Potteries and other companies produced household items made of pottery or glass to fill the void. The rooster and fish marmites and casseroles were introduced in 1942 and made until around the end of World War II. They were made in several colors including blue, yellow, turquoise, pink, green and ivory. Value for a green 249 rooster casserole with cover in excellent undamaged condition would be $40-60.

Larry