Question:

Hi,

Can you tell me anything about these plates and the value of the set of three?  They are 8″ across and 10″ at the handles.  The only marks are “Red Wing USA”.  Two are in great condition with factory flaws in glaze?  The third has the same discolorization and a small chip on the rim.  Thanks.

Richard

Answer:

The items in the photos were sold as Village Green casserole stands, although they could certainly be used as plates.  Stands were made in 8, 10 and 12 inch sizes to hold 1, 2 and 4 quart Village Green casseroles.   Value for these 8 inch stands would be $25-30 each in mint condition.  Damage or manufacturing flaws will reduce the value by 25-75% depending on the extent and visibility of the flaw. 

Larry

Question:

Hi, I just got some Red Wing dinnerware (not sure what pattern, stamped Red Wing 120) from my mother. How do I know if it’s safe to eat off of? Do these have incredibly high lead content? Love the look of it. Just not sure it’s safe.

It came with a coffee cup and salt and pepper set in a different pattern, a sort of basket weave that has some weird grey staining inside, which looks like a red flag telling me not to eat or drink anything from it.

Thanks!

Marla

Answer:

I am not an expert on the chemical composition of Red Wing dinnerware but it’s my understanding most Red Wing glazes contained lead.  Intact pieces with no chips, cracks or stains should be safe to use.  Damage, including tiny surface cracks or crazing, indicates the glaze is not intact and chemicals could potentially leak out.  Avoid using damaged pieces to serve food.

Larry

Question:

Hello.  I’ve just received some plates & bowls that are redwing capistrano.  They are an unusual “retro” style.  I really like them, and I plan to use them.  Can they go into the microwave?  Can they go into the dishwasher?

Thanks for your help!

Linda

Answer:

Can Capistrano dinnerware be safely used with microwaves and dishwashers?  The best answer I can give is “probably”. Over the years nearly all of Red Wing’s promotional literature for their dinnerware states it is “Oven Proof”. In the late 1950s “Detergent Safe” was added to the brochures. But dishwashers and microwaves were not common household appliances at this time, and the brochures do not mention using Red Wing dinnerware in them. I’m not aware of any organized effort to study this issue, so trial and error is the only real way to verify whether or not your dishes can safely be used in these appliances.

While I have no experience with Capistrano or its sister patterns in the dishwasher, my family did routinely wash a later pattern (Charstone Bleu) in our dishwasher for nearly 20 years with no ill effect. If the dishes are intact — no chips or cracks — they should be safe to use in a dishwasher. You might want to run one or two pieces through the wash cycle a couple of times as a test before trying it with the full set. You might also want to consider buying a couple of inexpensive pieces for such a test.

I really can’t recommend using Capistrano dinnerware in a microwave.  Keep in mind these dishes are 50 to 60 years old.  They probably have normal wear and tear from years of use.  Plates and bowls likely have tiny scratches in the surface of the glaze. If the dishes have been stored away unused for all these years then perhaps it would be OK.  But even so it’s worth remembering that Capistrano was not made to “microwave safe” standards since they didn’t exist at the time. In my opinion it would be better to use a modern dish to heat the food in the microwave, then transfer the food to your Capistrano dishes before serving.

Larry

Question:

Hi!
 
I’m looking for a little more information on a pale green Red Wing apple cookie jar that I found recently.  I went through all the archived questions and found lots of helpful information regarding other cookie jars in the series and the apple marmalade pieces but not on this specific piece.  I found an estimated value of $200+ in Warman’s Red Wing Pottery book but know that the condition dictates that price.  It’s in decent condition but does show crazing and dark spots in the glaze.  There is one small chip on the inside rim of the lid.  Attached you’ll find pictures of my piece.  I’ve read it was part of the Gypsy Trail Hostess line and was made during the late 30s.  Any other information/value you could offer would be greatly appreciated! 
 
Thank you,
Jamie

Answer:

Red Wing introduced a wide variety of fruit-shaped items as part of its Gypsy Trail Hostess Ware line in 1940.  Production continued through 1943. Cookie jars were made in the shape of an apple, pear, pineapple, bunch of bananas, cluster of grapes and even a cabbage.  Colors available over the years were orange, blue, yellow, turquoise, pink, green and cream ivory. The $200 value stated by Warman is no longer valid, and in my opinion was overstated.  Current value for a green apple cookie jar in mint condition would be half that amount, around $100.  The jar in the photos looks to be in good condition but crazing, stains and the chip will reduce the value.  It’s impossible to assess damage from a photo, but I’d guess the value of this cookie jar would be reduced by 25 to 50%.

Larry