Question:
Al – I’ve got a Red Wing 6-Gallon Ice Water cooler, with a bold blue Ice Water logo (a little weak on the very bottom of the "R" in "Water"), and a full and complete large red wing logo (not a particularly bright, nor dull tone of red). There is an extremly minor 4" hairline near the rim. There is also a spiderweb of hairlines (visible only from the inside) in the center of the base, as well as a small chip in the center of the inner base. In a previous note to you, with photo, you guesstimated the value (with damage) to be in the $400 range. I now have another couple questions. Is the value considerably increased if I had the lid and/or spigot, and if so, how do I find and buy the correct lid and spigot, and about what would it cost? Or, if the cork currently in the spigot hole is an original, and no spigot was ever inserted, does that somehow add any value? And, what is the significance of this cooler "not" having an oval below the Red Wing logo, and how does that impact the value? Thanks Al.

Previous question:

http://www.redwingcollectors.org/content/view/4601/118/

Answer: Chris, the value would be increased if you had the lid and spigot. but most collectors when selling, remove the lid and spigot and sell them separate. The correct lid for your cooler is a 5 gallon Red Wing button crock lid. In mint condition they sell for around $200. The correct spigot would be an original (not reproduction) "Central" push button. They sell for $50 in perfect condition. Lastly, not having the oval will lower the value somewhat. Collectors like to see as much decoration or advertising as possible. Just fill the front of those coolers and they go nuts. Al Kohlman