Question:
I purchased this pot at goodwill, and I found a description online, and I am wondering if you can send me some more information about the history of the piece. Also is it safe to use for cooking- not that I plan to but would just like to know. Large Red Wing Pot with Handle and Spout. Large kitchenware pot with orange glaze on the interior of pot and a wonderfully earthy color tone on the exterior of the deep pot. Features two handles for lifting. The mark on the bottom of the deep pot is Red Wing U.S.A. 137. There is a 0.25" chip on the spout. There are several dirt spots where the exterior has been rubbed and the bottom has normal scratches from wear. Light scratches on the bottom of deep pot from normal use. Please see photographs for further details. I found a pick on goodwill.com and attached it Thanks in advance Benita

Answer: Your large pot marked RED WING USA 137 on the bottom is a 5 quart casserole from the Provincial Bakeware set. It should be about 10 inches across and should have a rust-colored cover. Provincial Bakeware was made in the 1960s. This set is a revival of a similar set that Red Wing produced during the World War II years. The earlier set had bisque (unglazed) exteriors that were impossible to keep clean. The exteriors of the 1960s version had a tan glaze that was intended to resemble the original unglazed look but with a seal to protect against food stains. If the glaze is intact the pot should be perfectly fine for cooking food. Items with cracks, hairlines or other breaks in the glaze should not be used for cooking.

The set consists of baking pots and dishes, and most collectors have little interest in baking dishes unless they are part of a larger dinnerware pattern. Value for this casserole in excellent condition and with a cover would be $20-25. With a chip and without a cover the value is minimal, perhaps $5 or $10 at most.

Larry