Question:
I recently purchased an eight gallon red wing water cooler. I have seen some of these coolers with the 8 on the front above the water cooler emblem. Mine has the 8 on the inside bottom of the cooler. What is the difference? I would also like to know where I can find a spout for mine. I also noticed that mine does not have handles and some do. My cooler does not have a place where handles used to be. How old do you think this cooler is? It’s not in the best of shape but I think I got a good deal. Thanks Sherry

Answer: Sherry, your 8 gallon Red Wing water cooler which is marked on the inside bottom is one of the early hand turned coolers. These hand turned water coolers where not equipped with handles. Your cooler was most likely manufactured some time between 1912 & 1915. After 1915 the Red Wing water coolers were fitted with handles. Spigots for these coolers can be found on eBay or by advertising in the want ads in the Red Wing newsletter. Hope this was helpful. Al Kohlman