Question:
I am an archaeologist trying to find dating information. I have three fragments of paneled blue and red spongeware, one of which has "Red Wing Oven Ware" stamped on the bottom. I would like to know the dates of manufacture for this type of vessel. As they are fragments, I do not have vessel dimensions. Many of the other artifacts at the site date between 1900 and 1930s, so I am assuming that these pieces are also from this time period. But it would be helpful to have confirmation. Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer: The Red Wing Stoneware Company sponge-ware bowls along with their oven ware sponged bowls appeared in their catalogs from 1906 and into the 1930′s. The sponge-ware panel bowls came in six sizes from 6" to 11". In 1930 Red Wing introduced the 5" sponge-ware panel bowl. This is the scarcest of the sponge-ware panel bowls and demands the highest price among collectors. Al Kohlman