Question:

I inherited this green coy fish from my grandmother who lived in lake city, mn.  I know little else besides it has red wing written on the bottom.

Answer:

Besides RED WING USA there should also be a three digit number on the bottom.  If the number is 248, the item is a fish-shaped casserole.  If the number is 247, then it is a marmite (individual casserole) and is considerably smaller than the casserole.  Fish and Chicken shaped casseroles and marmites were made in the mid 1940s and were part of the Gypsy Trail Hostess Ware group.   Assuming excellent condition with no damage or staining, value for the marmite is $40-60 and the casserole $60-80.

Larry

Question:

Hello,
 
And thank you for your time and patience in advance in reviewing my request for information. 
 
I have picked up three Red Wing items that I am curious about history, correct names, their patterns and of course their market value and values for insurance.
 
1.  First one… is a Smart Set double casserole with stand.  (see photo)
     a.  The pottery is free from any crazing, cracks or any chips, with the one exception shown in the attached photo of the lid. (marked in red square – see photo)/
     b.  Was there any kind of rubber between the pottery handles and the wire frames…..they are not present now.  What do you know of this issue?
     c.  Also, I have added small plastic feet on the bottoms of the wire frame to avoid scratches on my table……I expect they may have been rubber?? What do you know of this issue?
    d.  And was there a black holder for a candle or for a sterno can or how did the heating originally work?
    e.  Also, I have seen these size casseroles with LlDS with the design like on the plates (not black like these have) what’s the story with that?
    f.   Finally, what would you value it at both for “market value” and “insurance value”, if they are different???
 
2.  Second piece is just the wire frame stand for a the same size casserole as in the doulbe set above. 
     a.  This has a small black holder for what I don’t know, a candle? / sterno?
     b.  What is it’s value?
 
3.  The final piece is a ‘Midnight Rose’  tid bit tray (see photo). No crazing, cracks or any chips of any kind.  Also no knife scrapes. 
    a.   What does the “Anniversary” part/name mean or is there for?  How does it relate this pattern.  Is it the name of the blanks as we guess that, that is what it means?
   b.    What would you value it at both for “market value” and “insurance value”, if they are different?
 
Would you be so kind as to email me the ‘web page link’ where my question with the answer will be posted on the website.  I haven’t been able to locate it.
 
ONCE AGAIN, WE VERY MUCH APPRECIATE YOUR HELP IN ANSWERING THE ABOVE!
 
THANK YOU & GOD BLESS!
Ron & Janey

Answer:

1.  First one… is a Smart Set double casserole with stand.  (see photo)
     a.  The pottery is free from any crazing, cracks or any chips, with the one exception shown in the attached photo of the lid. (marked in red square – see photo)/
     b.  Was there any kind of rubber between the pottery handles and the wire frames…..they are not present now.  What do you know of this issue?  Yes, a rubber ring or gasket was originally present.  It is quite common for rubber parts to dry out and deteriorate over time.  Yours could very well have simply dried out and fallen apart.  Attached is a photo of the same item with at least one of the gaskets in place.

     c.  Also, I have added small plastic feet on the bottoms of the wire frame to avoid scratches on my table……I expect they may have been rubber?? What do you know of this issue?  Yes, there were black rubber “feet” on the ends of the iron legs.

    d.  And was there a black holder for a candle or for a sterno can or how did the heating originally work?  Yes, there was a black cup or holder for a small heating candle that came with the stand.  Attached is a photo of a similar stand from the Bob White pattern with the two cups in place.

    e.  Also, I have seen these size casseroles with LlDS with the design like on the plates (not black like these have) what’s the story with that?  Covers for Smart Set pieces could be purchased in either contrasting black or decorated with the matching Smart Set pattern.  The choice was up to the customer. 

    f.   Finally, what would you value it at both for “market value” and “insurance value”, if they are different???  I am collector, not an appraiser.  I am willing to provide my estimate of the current market value for Red Wing dinnerware but do not get involved with appraisals or insurance values.  Value for a complete Smart Set double casserole stand with two covered casseroles would be $100-125. 
 
2.  Second piece is just the wire frame stand for a the same size casserole as in the doulbe set above. 
     a.  This has a small black holder for what I don’t know, a candle? / sterno?  It holds a small votive-type candle.

     b.  What is it’s value?   For the stand alone, around $25-30 assuming excellent condition.
 
3.  The final piece is a ‘Midnight Rose’  tid bit tray (see photo). No crazing, cracks or any chips of any kind.  Also no knife scrapes. 
    a.   What does the “Anniversary” part/name mean or is there for?  How does it relate this pattern.  Is it the name of the blanks as we guess that, that is what it means?  There were six patterns produced in the Anniversary shape. This shape was introduced in 1953, which was the 75^th anniversary of Red Wing Stoneware Company.  Numerous events were held to celebrate this anniversary, including the naming of this dinnerware line.

   b.    What would you value it at both for “market value” and “insurance value”, if they are different?  Tidbit trays were not considered to be part of the dinnerware pattern.  They were sold as giftware.  Tidbit trays were a way for Red Wing Potteries to use up surplus stocks of plates and bowls, usually after a pattern had been discontinued.  Workers drilled a hole in the leftover pieces and then assembled them into one, two or three tiered tidbit trays.  Most of these were sold at the Red Wing Potteries Salesroom along with “seconds” (flawed pieces).  Many collectors consider tidbit trays to be ruined by the hole and values are minimal, not more than $25 and usually less than $10.

Question:

Hello,

This vase is marked “Red Wing”, and also has “JP 79″ inscribed on the bottom.

I’m assuming that someone used a Red Wing mold to produce this. Could that

be correct, and does it have any value?

Thanks!

Jane

Answer:

Yes, this little pitcher was undoubtedly made by a hobby potter or art school student using an old Red Wing mold.  Such pieces are actually quite common because Red Wing sold all their molds when the business folded in 1967.  These pieces have no value as a Red Wing collectible, but some collectors like to acquire them as curiosities.  They seldom sell for more than $25 and usually quite a bit less than that. 

Larry

Question:

Recently, my mother left me with a set of Tampico, I am wondering what its value might be.  I’m not certain if I should try to sell it as an odd numbered set or try selling piece by piece… 

There are a lot of pieces…

16 cup and saucers, 15 dinner plates, 8 salad plates, 11 bread and butter plates, 10 berry bowls, 11 cereal bowls, 2 sugar bowls with lids, 1 creamer, 1 divided vegetable dish, 2 8″ Serving bowls, 3 9″ serving bowls, 1 covered casserole, 1 large oval platter, 1 footed cake stand, 1 gravy boat, 1 relish dish, 1 butter dish, and a salt and pepper set.  There is also a 10″ footed serving bowl with no melon or wine motif – just the speckled background.  Is this another pattern?

The pieces are in good condition, except the following pieces have a small chip along the rim or edge:

4 of the berry bowls, 2 of the 9″ serving bowls. 

Thank you for your kind consideration and all of the information provided on your website.  It is invaluable!

Beth 

Recently, my mother left me with a set of Tampico, I am wondering what its value might be.  I’m not certain if I should try to sell it as an odd numbered set or try selling piece by piece… 

There are a lot of pieces…

16 cup and saucers, 15 dinner plates, 8 salad plates, 11 bread and butter plates, 10 berry bowls, 11 cereal bowls, 2 sugar bowls with lids, 1 creamer, 1 divided vegetable dish, 2 8″ Serving bowls, 3 9″ serving bowls, 1 covered casserole, 1 large oval platter, 1 footed cake stand, 1 gravy boat, 1 relish dish, 1 butter dish, and a salt and pepper set.  There is also a 10″ footed serving bowl with no melon or wine motif – just the speckled background.  Is this another pattern?

The pieces are in good condition, except the following pieces have a small chip along the rim or edge:

4 of the berry bowls, 2 of the 9″ serving bowls. 

Thank you for your kind consideration and all of the information provided on your website.  It is invaluable!

Beth

Answer:

Please see the “How can I sell my Red Wing Pottery pieces” section for advice on selling Red Wing.   This advice can be found on the RWCS website under “FAQ” under the “About Us” menu.  You may want to consider selling 8 place settings (dinner plate, salad plate, B&B plate, berry bowl, cereal bowl, cup & saucer) as a unit, then sell the rest of the pieces individually. 

Values below are for items in excellent undamaged condition.  Damage reduces the value by 25 to 75% or more, depending on the extent and location of the damage.

Dinner plate:  $15-20

Salad plate:  $7.5-12

B&B plate:  $5-10

Cup & saucer:  $10-15

Cereal bowl:  $ 10-15

Sauce dish (berry bowl): $5-10

Sugar bowl & cover:  $12-15

Creamer:  $12-15

Divided vegetable dish:  $25-30

Rim soup bowl (8”):  $15-20

Nappy bowl (9”):  $15-20

Covered casserole:  $40-50

Platter 13” or 15”:  $25-40

Gravy boat:  $25-30

Cake stand:  $40-60

Relish dish:  $15-20

Covered butter dish:  $20-25

Salt & Pepper:  $20-25

The beige fleck serving bowl with no decoration is not a part of any dinnerware pattern.  This bowl is among a number of beige fleck-glazed accessory items that Red Wing sold as giftware.  These could be used alone, or they could be matched with any of the beige fleck patterns such as Tampico, Bob White or Lute Song.  This bowl is common and is worth around $15.

Larry

Question:

Hi,

I have the complete Continental Buffet-Service set in a matte finish cream/white color with nickel stands and candle warmers. I would like to know the current value please. Two pieces have some damage which I will describe and you will see in the attached photos. This set was purchased from an estate in MN about 17- 20 ago.  It was packed in a Red Wing cardboard box. I was told by a neighbor that the original owner was a Red Wing salesman.  Sorry, I didn’t think to keep the address or get his name. The only price guidelines I have are from Ray Reiss’ Red Wing Dinnerware price and identification guide published in 1997.

All pieces are in excellent condition with no stains cracks or chips except as noted. Thank you for your time researching this.  Cheryl

These are the pieces I have:

Platter with Dome-Cover and Stand

Double Casserole with Cover and Stand

2 Quart Casserole with Cover and Stand ( a 2″ hairline crack from top edge going down.)

Salad Bowl with Fork & Spoon

Sauce Boat with Cover and Stand

Beverage Server with Cover and Stand (1/8″ shallow chip on underside of lip)

Sugar with Cover

Creamer
Set of Salt and Pepper

Answer:

Continental Buffet is of limited interest to collectors because it was a buffet service, not a full dinnerware pattern. Many items commonly found with a set of dinnerware (plates, bowls, cups & saucers, and other accessories) were not made for Continental Buffet. That said, there are collectors who seek Continental Buffet because it is unusual and fairly rare. Yours is the only set I’ve seen complete with all of the metal stands and the salad fork & spoon. The fork and spoon are usually missing or not recognized as part of a Red Wing set. In most cases they have been separated from the set at some point in the 50 years since this set was produced. Thus the fork and spoon are rare and could well be the most valuable part of this set.

The values found in the 1997 Ray Reiss guide are probably not too far off today given the current economy and slumping values for most antiques and collectibles. It’s difficult to establish a current value for an item that is seldom seen for sale. Here are my estimates:

Platter with Dome-Cover and Stand: $80-100

Double Casserole with Cover and Stand: $80-100

2 Quart Casserole with Cover and Stand (a 2″ hairline crack from top edge going down.)

$50-75 in mint condition; the hairline will reduce the value by at least half

Salad Bowl: $50-60

Fork & Spoon: $250-500 (best guess since I’ve never seen a pair sold)

Sauce Boat with Cover and Stand: $60-80

Beverage Server with Cover and Stand (1/8″ shallow chip on underside of lip)

$90-120 in mint condition; the chip will reduce the value by at least half

Sugar with Cover: $30-40

Creamer: $20-25

Set of Salt and Pepper: $75-100

As for how to sell, the info found in the FAQ section of the RWCS web site applies. An ad in the RWCS Newsletter might be worthwhile for an unusual and complete set like this. Hopefully somebody would be interested in purchasing the intact set rather than splitting it up. Collectors who specialize in specific items (pitchers, salt & peppers) would likely pay well for those particular items if the set is split up. The fork and spoon pair would be of interest to a person who owns a set of Continental Buffet but is missing those items.  On the other hand if the owner splits up the set there is the risk of finding no buyers for the less collected items like casseroles and sauce boats. Larry

Question:

Hello, I’m contacting you concerning my collection of Red Wing Pottery. I’ve done some research online and found they are from the Normandy Collection. Some have the upright wing, red logo and others have the oval, grey logo. The 3 tea cups do not have apples on them.  I have 7 large plates, 1 med plate, and 2 saucers, a mixing bowl, small bowl and 3 tea cups. Is there anything else you can tell me about them? Like when they were made? And also what they may be valued at? Some have chips, some have crack lines. Thank you very much for your time.

Necole

Answer: Normandy was one of four patterns made in the Provincial shape.  These four patterns were introduced in 1941 and were Red Wing’s first hand painted dinnerware patterns.  The Orleans and Brittany patterns were produced continuously with no changes until 1950.  But two very different versions of the Normandy and Ardennes patterns were made. The original Ardennes pattern was discontinued in the mid 1940s.  The original version of Normandy was discontinued within a year of its introduction and is rarely seen today.  This early version was not decorated with an apple.  The base color was white and the decoration consisted of a wide maroon band between two narrow blue band.  In 1949 Normandy and Ardennes were reintroduced.  The new Normandy featured the apple seen on your plates and bowls.  Smaller items like the tea cups include only the apple blossom portion of the design, presumably because there was not room to include the large apple.  Hollow ware items (pitchers, teapot, S&P shakers, etc) for the later version of Normandy were available in two solid colors: Dubonnet (maroon) or Forest Green.  The gray oval ink stamp was used in the late 1940s.  It is found on pieces of the later version of Normandy made in 1949 and perhaps early 1950.  In 1950 the familiar reddish-pink wing ink stamp replaced the gray oval.  Thus Normandy pieces with the reddish-pink mark were made in 1950 or later.  The later version of Normandy was discontinued in 1952.

The following value estimates assume excellent, undamaged condition.  Any damage will reduce the value by 25-75% or more, depending on the extent and location of the damage.

Dinner plate:  $15-25

Salad plate:  $10-15

Bread & Butter plate: $7.50-10

Cup & Saucer:  $15-20

Sauce dish (small bowl): $10-15

Nappy (veg bowl):  $25-30

Larry R

Question:

I have an 8 piece place setting of Driftwood pattern.  Each place setting includes a dinner plate, a bread/salad plate, and cup and saucer.  I also have the platter and 4 serving pieces.  All pieces are in excellent condition except the smallest serving dish has a small chip on the rim.

I have included some pictures and would like to know how much it’s worth.

Thank you, Elisa

Answer: The following values for Driftwood items assume excellent undamaged condition.  Damage reduces the value by 25 to 75% or more depending on the extent and location of the damage.

Dinner plate:  $15-20

Bread and butter plate:  $5-10

Cup & saucer:  $10-15

Platter (13” or 15” sizes):  $20-30

I see three different sized bowls in one of the photos.  Without knowing the dimensions I cannot be sure of the sizes of these bowls. 

Here are the four bowls that were made, from largest to smallest. .

Nappy (vegetable bowl):  $20-25

Rim Soup:  $15-20

Cereal:  $10-15

Sauce/Fruit: $7-10

The white cups with this set are unusual but correct.  Driftwood hollow ware was initially offered only in white when the pattern was introduced in 1955.  In 1957 the more commonly seen turquoise hollow ware was introduced and white hollow ware was dropped.

Question:

Would like to know how much items are worth. Wanting to know more about the Village Green Dinnerware, would like to know more information on these items before deciding on selling them or keeping.

Thank you.

Chantalle

Answer:

Sorry but I can’t provide a good estimate of the value of this group of dishes.  These small photos of a large group of dinnerware doesn’t provide enough detail for me to identify all of the items.  I can’t be sure of the quantity of some of the items.  And there is no description of the condition of these items which is vital when it comes to determining values. 

There are pieces from two different Red Wing dinnerware patterns in this photo.  The collection also includes items that were not made by Red Wing. The only one item here that is definitely from the Village Green pattern is the divided vegetable dish in middle of the photo.  The two pitchers on the right side, the frying pan, the square tray and the elongated dish in the middle were not made by Red Wing.  Most of the other pieces are from Red Wing’s Bakeware line (commonly known as Oomph).  I cannot identify the nest of bowls in the upper left corner without seeing the sides.  The other nest of dishes appear to be three casseroles without covers.  The pitcher next to the large roaster is a Bakeware beverage server and it should have a cover. 

A very rough guess of the value of this lot would be $200-300, but without knowing more it’s really nothing more than a guess.  Assuming they are in excellent condition the covered roaster, teapot, covered casserole and large salad bowl have the most value. 

Larry

Question:

Hi Larry,

First, I just wanted to thank you for this site, I have learned quite allot. Second, Thank you for the wonderful and informative responses you give. Finally, thank you for not making any of your inquirers feel ignorant.

Now for my question. I have read your site for information on the 257 yellow teapot I have. There are not any chips or cracks or damage to the teapot. After reading your site and a couple of others, there  seems to be allot of off-white or cream color of these teapots. I have also found blue and green on other sites but not yellow. Is yellow rarer than the other colors and what is the worth?

My husband and I are starting to sell most of our collections (coins, Red-Wing, Roseville, Royal Dux, sports memorbilia, etc) to help fund our retirement so any help in the ansering of my question is greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your time concerning this matter.

Warmest regards, Brenda

Answer:

Thank you for the very kind words.  It’s good to hear from people who appreciate effort that goes into my responses.  Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.

As for your yellow 257 teapot, I would not consider yellow to be rare by any means.  From my collecting experience it is one of the more common colors.  Of course the items we come across in our searches will vary somewhat from person to person, but I would not give the yellow color any greater value than the other colors. These days a 257 teapot in excellent condition is worth around $75, with maybe another $25 or so for a teapot in very clean mint condition.

Thanks,

Larry

Question:

 I recently inherited some of the Magnolia pattern dinnerware. I have searched and searched to find an answer to a question I have concerning the trademark. The dishes have two different trademarks. One is the more popular red Red Wing while the other is an oval shaped design with the RW in the middle and the number 7 underneath. Can you give me any info/history on the trademarks and why they are different? I would appreciate your help.

Sincerely,

Becky

Answer: Red Wing Potteries changed the ink stamp used to mark dinnerware several times over the years. The ink stamp markings applied to the bottom of Red Wing dinnerware depend on when the piece was produced, not the dinnerware pattern.  Magnolia dinnerware was made for about 10 years and three different ink stamps were used during that time.  The earliest ink stamp was introduced in 1941 with Red Wing’s first hand painted patterns.  I call this mark the “upright wing” and it used the same dark ink as the oval mark in your photos.  This upright wing mark is seldom found on Magnolia dinnerware because the oval-shaped mark and the Magnolia pattern was introduced at about the same time in the late 1940s.  The oval mark was used until 1950, when the familiar pinkish-red wing took over.  This mark was used until 1958. 

Knowing when the various ink stamp marks were applied can help date your dinnerware.   You pieces with the dark oval mark were made in the late 1940s; the ones with the pinkish wing were made in 1950 or later.  The mark has little or no effect on the value of a piece.  That said, Red Wing sometimes made other production changes that could affect value.  For instance, Magnolia dinner plates made in the late 1940s (with the dark oval stamp) are usually much thicker and heavier than dinner plates made later in the 1950s.  In this case a collector may have a preference for one type of plate over the other, but the value to the collector has nothing to do with the ink stamp mark.

Larry