Question:
Hi – I purchased an old red wing teapot recently from an estate sale. It is pottery, turquoise, shaped like a pumpkin with the grooved lines and the lid has three leaves in the mold. Very cute. The bottom is embossed in the mold "Red Wing USA 235". I have no idea how old this piece is and what the value is? Can you help? I have an antique booth and have not been able to find this teapot in the reference books I have looked at. Thanks, Leslie

Answer: Your pumpkin-shaped teapot is one of several figural teapots made to accompany Red Wing’s Gypsy Trail line of dinnerware. It was made in the early 1940s. Teapot #235 is not included on an April 1940 price list but does appear on a list dated June 1941. It continues to be included on price lists through January 1944, which is the last Gypsy Trail list available to me. Gypsy Trail production ceased around the end of World War II.

This teapot was made in seven solid Gypsy Trail colors: Orange, blue, yellow, turquoise, pink, green and ivory. It must have sold quite well as this teapot is fairly common today. Value in excellent condition is $40 to $60.

Larry