Question:

I have 40 pieces. Overall, It appears the set has never been used. Below is a detailed list of each item. 29 pieces have very minor chips, varying from 1-4 chips on sides and backs. 11 pieces are damage free. If you want more information and photos, I have approximately 97 photos of each piece. The photos include the chips, any factory defects and the marked number of the piece.  I really appreciate any help and information you may be able to assist me in knowing what I have in my possession. My Mother passed away in October 2013. The dinnerware was in storage and this is the first I have laid eyes on it. Again thank you for your time.

Suzie

Answer:

The cactus-themed pattern you have is called Desert.  It is very popular with collectors and not easy to find. Desert was one of two patterns in the Fancy Free line, the other was Caprice. The Fancy Free patterns were designed by Belle Kogan, a well-known designer from New York who produced many art pottery designs for Red Wing and also a few dinnerware patterns.

Fancy Free plates and bowls featured a rolled rim that was very susceptible to chipping. Pieces in mint condition are scarce. These patterns were introduced in 1952 and were made for only a brief period probably being discontinued in 1953.   They are rather scarce today and are desired by western motif collectors as well as Red Wing Dinnerware collectors.

Unfortunately, damage reduces the value of the items significantly.  Damaged items are usually worth only 50% or less, sometimes much less, than undamaged items.  The prices I have listed for each of the items you show in the picture are for undamaged items and represent only my estimate of the value if the item were undamaged.

The numbers on the back of the items had significance only for the Red Wing Potteries so you may disregard them.

2 – 9 1/3 x 8 1/2 Bowls, mark on the back of the bowl $50.00 to $60.00 each (they were called a Nappy)

5 – 11″ Plates, $100.00 each

1 – 13 1/2 Serving Platter, $60.00 to $90.00

6 – 5 3/4 x 5 1/4 Fruit Bowls, $20.00 to $30.00 each

4 – 6 3/4 x 6 1/4 Bowls, $25.00 to $35.00 each (these were called cereal

bowls)

5 – 6 7/8 x 6 cup saucer (saucer alone $5.00 to $8.00 each)

6 – 7 1/4 x 6 1/2 Plates  $20.00 to $30.00 each

4 – coffee cups $20.00 to $30.00 (cup and saucer combinations each)

1 – sugar bowl w/lid $30.00 to $50.00

1 – creamer bowl  $30.00 to $50.00

1 – gravy bowl $30.00 to $45.00 (it was sold with a tray)

1 – butter dish with lid $60.00 to $90.00

1 – 9 1/4 x 4 serving platter $30.00 to $50.00 (it was called a Pickle Dish)

1 – 11 2/3 x 5 2/3 serving platter $30.00 to $50.00 (it was called a Celery

Dish)

1 – 12 x 6 1/2 divided 3 section serving platter $40.00 to $60.00 (it was called a Relish Dish)

Terry