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Question:
Hello! I have a question regarding a bean pot I picked up at a thrift store. It is close to mint condition, but does have a bit of paint wear on one handle. My bean pot looks similar to that of the provincial line # 405. However, mine is shape # 402 (it seems a bit more bulbous in shape than that of the 405, other than that they are the same, having a lid that is not inset and handles). The reason I am asking, is that I cannot find the shape number of my pot anywhere, and mine was (my assumption) glazed by someone other than red wing. It has the saying "Kissin Don’t Last, Cookin’ Do" on the front with a kissing couple in between the phrase. This person signed there name with 1978 afterwards and it is under the glaze. Did Red Wing give away "blanks" for other people to paint or glaze on there own when they closed their doors? Thank you for any information you may have on this. I dont expect its worth much as most of the provincial bean pots arent. I am just curious as to where this pot came from and why the shape number is different from others, Thank you again! Kayle
Your hunch is correct. When Red Wing Potteries closed in 1967 the company’s assets were sold, including the molds used to form dinnerware and art pottery items. Because the company was no longer in business there was no attempt to rub out the Red Wing name from the molds. Many of these molds were obtained by art schools and hobby potters. Your Provincial-shaped pot was made from such a mold. The "Kissin’ Don’t Last" decoration, the signature of the potter and the 1978 date are all indications that this pot was not made by Red Wing Potteries. Provincial Bakeware bean pots were made in three sizes (1.5 quart, 3 quart and 5 quart). I do not know which stock number goes with each size but that likely explains the different numbers. Your assumption about the value of hobby shop pieces is also correct. Some collectors are mildly interested in them as curiosities but generally they have little value.