Question:
This is a Red Wing Jug found in an old outbuilding in North Dakota. It has a few hairline fractures. It has no chips. The jug is approx. 39 inches around and 16 inches high. I have a couple of questions. 1. What is the best way to clean the inside of the jug? It has bugs and dead rodents inside. 2. What is the value of the jug and is it a beehive jug? 3. When was it made? Thank you so much for any information you can provide. I love this jug!

Answer: Your 5 gallon Red Wing Beehive jug (yes it is a beehive) has the 6 inch wing. This makes it one of the early beehives. It was manufacture between 1909 & 1912. They quick making the beehives in 1917 and at that time your jug would have had a 4 inch wing. The hairlines will hurt it’s value, but it is still around $300 to $350 in value. The markets are down at this time, but a few years back, this jug with the perfect wing would have fetched $650. Today in mint condition and as good looking as your jug, around $450. Your jug is quite striking with the deep dark 5 and beautiful stenciled 6 inch wing. It is a killer jug. Al Kohlman