Question:
I have a pitcher that has been in my husband’s family forever. It has a dark brown glaze with a grapes and vine pattern over waffle-like squares and rickrack trim on top and bottom. It’s 9 1/4" tall with a handle. It’s in great condition except it has a few spots where it looks like the glaze was thin or had a bubble and you can see the pottery now (see lower front in photo). Oh, and there is a star impressed on the bottom. Any info on this pitcher is appreciated. Thank you, Sandee

Answer: Sandee, your husband’s pitcher is not Red Wing. It is called Grape Cluster with Rickrack. These pitchers are somewhat common and came in 3 sizes – 6 3/4", 8" & 9 1/2" high. They also were made in different colors, Blue a& White, solid blue, blue & tan, brown, solid green & sponge ware. Brown has the least value $75 to $100 in Mint condition. You can find more information on your husband’s piece in the Collector’s Encyclopedia of Salt Glaze Stoneware. Al Kohlman