Question:
I found two small oval casseroles (about 7 – 8 inches long) marked Red Wing USA and bearing the number 413. They are unglazed on the outside and have a terra cotta colored glaze on the inside. Don’t know if they are genuine. Anne Marie

Answer: Your two small oval dishes marked RED WING USA 413 are from the Red Wing Provincial Bakeware set made in the 1960s. This set is a revival of a similar set that Red Wing produced during the World War II years. The earlier set had bisque (unglazed) exteriors that were impossible to keep clean. The exteriors of the 1960s version had a tan glaze that was intended to resemble the original unglazed look but with a seal to protect against food stains. Without a photo I have no way to verify whether or not your dishes are genuine Red Wing but there is little reason to doubt it. Collectors have minimal interest in baking dishes so there is no financial incentive to make fakes. The value of these oval dishes is around $10 each if they are in excellent condition.

Larry