Question:

On April 11/12 Al Kohlman answered a question on ask the expert about a 5 gallon Western Commercial jug with a 3 inch wing. this jug is from Saskatchewan- Alberta provinces. He states that it was made between 1918 and 1930. I know of other liquor jugs from different towns in Saskatchewan and Alberta in 3 or 5 gallon sizes with the three inch wing, is it possible that these jugs were made before 1918 as these two provinces started the Liquor Prohibition on June 30 of 1915

All the best,

Andre

Answer:

Hello again, Andre.  As usual, you have some great pieces!  Yes, the jugs in your photo were made before 1918.  The reason Al gave you the 1918 to 1930 time window is that’s when Red Wing used the 2.5 (or 3) inch wing and I’m guessing he didn’t see your photo.  The wing used on your jugs is a little over 4 inches long.  I believe all three of these companies appear in the Red Wing Potteries Ledger, which contains orders placed for advertising stoneware between 1906 and 1914.

The Prince Albert Liquor Co. placed a rush order for 25 3 gallon jugs on Feb. 19, 1913.  The Western Commerical Co. ordered 100 5 gallons jugs on April 26, 1913.  Both the Western Commercial Co. and Prince Albert Liquor Co. placed multiple orders between 1906 and 1914, so Red Wing likely made more jugs than the # quoted.  There are about 150 pages to sift through in the ledger, so I didn’t have time to look through all of it and find an entry for the Kamsack jug.  But, I think I recall seeing it in there.

Best regards,

Rick Natynski

RWCS Newsletter Editor