Question:

I am a collector of Red Wing “sponge band” (gray line) stoneware. I have seen most of what has been written on the subject in guidebooks and on the net. Currently I own most to all known production pieces.

However, it has left some questions:

1) Have any lunch-hour or non-production pieces ever turned up? For example; rolling pins, saffron ware shapes decorated as “sponge band”. Any pictures of such
items?

2) How many of the 4oz sample-size casseroles (as pictured in the “Clay Giants” book) are known to exist, and what would be the estimated value? Where do the known examples    reside?

3) Was the mug offered in more than one size? Seems like one of the “Clay Giants” books suggested two sizes. The size I own and have seen measures 4.5″ X 3″

I realize these may not be the easiest of questions to answer. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards, Matt

Answer:

Matt, your answers will be below your questions.

1) Have any lunch-hour or
non-production pieces ever turned up? For example; rolling pins,
saffron ware shapes decorated as “sponge band”. Any pictures of such
items?

I have never seen or heard of Sponge Band lunch hour pieces.

2) How many of the 4oz
sample-size casseroles (as pictured in the “Clay Giants” book) are
known to exist, and what would be the estimated value? Where do the
known examples    reside?

I have no idea of how manyof the Half Pint (4 oz) Sponge Band casseroles exist.  Value is $375 &
$450

3) Was the mug offered in more than one size? Seems like one of the “Clay Giants”books suggested two sizes. The size I own and have seen measures 4.5″
X 3″.

There are two sizes of Sponge Band mugs, your sizes listed in your question is correct.  Al Kohlman