Question:
Al, About three weeks ago I submitted a question about a 2 gallon birch leaf with the ski oval. You mentioned that the ski oval was used from about 1895. I guess I am confused. On the RWCS pages it states that the ski oval was used between 1909-1915? The oval on my crock says "Red Wing Union Stoneware" which in the books says the company used that name between 1906-1936. So did they actually use this name on an oval before the company name change and if they did, Did all three companies use there own name stamps even during the period of 1894-1906 of the "Union Stoneware Company? Thanks Warren.

Answer: Warren the Ski oval was the first oval used on Red Wing Crocks. You will see the ski oval on birch leaf crocks as Red Wing used birch leaves to decorate there crocks starting around 1895 till 1909 when they produced the Red Wing. The next large ovals used by the Red Wing Stoneware Company was 1912 and after, well after the Red Wing was produced. Minnesota Stoneware pieces had both Minnesota Stoneware ovals (two styles of these were produced) along with the union oval which was use on or around 1906. It was when the Red Wing Stoneware Company began producing the zinc glaze pieces is when the ski oval was used and that was 1895 or shortly there after. Hope this helps. Al Kohlman