Question:
I have a nearly complete set of Pepe (1962) dinnerware (58 pc) and 8 serving pieces (large platter,medium platter, divided elongated bowl, medium serving bowl, large salad bowl, tall pitcher and creamer/sugar with cover)that I would like to sell. There are 12 pieces of the dinner plate, salad plate, cereal/soup bowl and saucers for cups. There are 10 cups (2 have small chips on the bottom edge). All of the other dishes and serving pieces are in excellent condition. Is there a market for these dishes? What is the best way to sell them? What might I expect to get for them? Is it best to sell the servings dishes separately? Thanks for any help you can give me. Jan

Answer: There is definitely a market for Pepe dinnerware. The pattern seems to be growing in popularity with collectors these days. The mixed availability of Pepe items is unusual because place setting pieces of Pepe were used in various promotional programs by retail businesses. The customer could get a free or discounted piece of Pepe if a specified dollar amount was spent at the participating business. But larger accessory pieces were not available through these promotional programs. Thus Pepe place setting pieces are readily available today while accessories such as bean pots, casseroles, pitchers and teapots are relatively scarce.

If I was selling this collection of Pepe I would offer the accessory pieces separately from the place settings. A collector may be willing to pay a good price for a needed item but would be unlikely to buy the entire collection to obtain that one piece. The pitcher and 10" salad bowl are tough to find. Pitchers sell for over $100 and the salad bowl is worth $75-100. The platters, divided vegetable bowl, round 8 inch vegetable dish and sugar/creamer are worth around $20-30 each.

The place setting pieces (plates, bowls, cups & saucers) are worth $7 to $15 each individually. Most buyers would expect a discount if the entire lot is purchased.

Please see the FAQ link in the dark green area at the top of this page for advice about selling Red Wing pottery.

Larry