Question:
This question is for Al Kohlman regarding a RW 3 gallon water cooler. I’ve attached a few pictures of the cooler to this email. I’m very new to collecting (this is my first piece), so I don’t know anything really. But I love all the posts on your website, they’ve been so helpful and they also get me very interested in collecting more pieces.

Description- 3 Gallon water cooler with lid, in good condition (no cracks or scratches), hole at the bottom (I think a spigot is supposed to go there). The inside is a little dirty (this could have been used for planting).

Questions- What do you think this would be worth if I sold it today?

Is this a common piece or rare?

Does the size of the wing mean anything? I heard the larger the wing the more value it has.

I want to buy a spigot for this pot, is there anyway to tell if it is an authentic spigot that is supposed to go to this piece?

Thank you so much,

Tracey

Answer:

Tracey, your 3 gallon Red Wing water cooler was produced
between 1936 & 1947.  It is the latest and last version for the Red
Wing coolers.  Also, the size of the red wing does affect the value
with the largest being in greater demand.  Also, the words
“Water Cooler” on the early coolers is scrolled where your is
blocked (scrolled being more in demand for collectors).  With all
this being said, our cooler if in perfect condition, $225 to $250. The lid
also in perfect condition, $300 to $350.  Also, the 3 gallon is a common
size and the correct spigot is the push button spigot which is marked
“Central” on either the spout or barrel of the spigot.  Also,
there is reproductions on these spigots, so you need to look for the
“Central” spigot where the push button is out side of the spigot
body.  These can be found at the convention from older collectors &
they run about $50 each.  Hope this was helpful.  Al Kohlman