Question:
Recently I came across a piece of Red Wing Pottery in southern Indiana. It is a 10-gallon water cooler with the Red Wing symbol on the front of it. The stamp very clearly says "Red Wing Union Stoneware" which leads me to believe it was made sometime between 1906 and 1936. The original spout and handles are still on the piece as well as the original lid. It is in excellent condition with only a few very minor chips on the inside of the lid. Can you give me an estimate on this piece? Kim

Answer: Kim, the Red Wing Water coolers have gone down in value in the past years. The 10 gallon is the largest of these coolers and their lids are becoming extremely hard to find. The size of the wing (6 inch or 4 1/2 inch wing) will help demand the price of your cooler as well as the lid. The 6 inch wing is in more of a demand than the 4 1/2 inch wing. With excellent markings and great condition, the value of your cooler (complete with lid and spigot) can range from $1000 to $1500. Al Kohlman