Question:
I have a red wing saffron spongeware bowl measureing 7 5/8" in diameter. The Red Wing Stoneware book by DePasquale, Peck and Peterson with 2006 updated prices lists this bowl, page 101, (the center bowl as to pattern, but mine is a yellow-saffron color as is the top bowl on that same pageas pricing from $125-175.00 I am assuming that this is without advertising. My bowl has "IT PAYS TO MIX WITH WENBERG’S GROCERY SHERBURN, – MINN." on the inside in the center of the bowl. My question is this, How much does advertising add to the value of a bowl? Does it matter that it is just advertising or does it make a difference as to which business is advertised. I know that some businesses, such as Lampberts Lumber did extensive advertising with Red Wing pieces so perhaps an item that had fewer advertising pieces made for that particular advertiser is worth more than one who had a prolific amount of pieces. Is there anywhere I can go to find out? Thanks so much for your help. Sincerely, Vicki Olson, Many Little Things, Osseo, Wi Sorry, I don’t have a pic yet, as just got the bowl in today. manylittl@aol.com

Answer: Vicki, Saffron pieces such as the red & blue sponged bowls with advertising have a value between $150 & $225 in Mint condition. Of course, the rarer the advertising (or fewer made), the higher the value. Also, if the advertising belongs to a relative, this will affect the value as well. The Saffron advertising spongeware bowls just don’t carry the higher value as the paneled spongeware bowls. However, a rare advertising, and the value can exceed that of a paneled bowl quite quickly. Al Kohlman