Question:
I bought some RedWing Lute Song dinnerware at a sale and there are 2 small pieces that I can’t identify in the box. I was wondering if anyone could help. They are garlic shaped? or onion shaped pieces that appear to pour (if the pour spout is situated on top, it looks like an onion and the pour spout is the stem). They are about 3 inches across. There isn’t a lute on them like the other pieces, but they are the same color. I looked on replacements and a few other sites but can’t find this piece. The reverse says "red wing potteries, redwing minn" in a triangle. Is it lute song? They kind of remind me of a spoon rest. Any assistance appreciated. thanks Sharon H.

Answer:
Sharon, You have two individual ashtrays. Red Wing made them in various colors to accompany the 8 patterns in the True China shape, of which Lute Song was the best selling pattern. These ashtrays are fairly common but still very interesting. The triangle-shape mark you describe was used only on these ashtrays, not on any other piece to my knowledge. Value for your ashtrays in excellent condition would be around $20 each.

I’ve never seen an ashtray with the Lute Song design; most likely they were not handpainted because the piece is too small to hold much artwork. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t exist. I have photos of two True China ashtrays in the Merrileaf pattern, and am quite sure I’ve seen them in at least one other pattern.

Larry

Question:
My Daughters family of 6 house burned compleatly to the ground. She inherited from us a 106 peice set of "orleans" pattern of Red Wing potters. all in mint condition. A service for 18 cups, saucers, dinner plate, salad plate,sauce dish. A sugar and creamer,1 tea pot,2 med &1 lg Platers,4 small dishes w/lids,2 sets salt and pepper shackers, 2 serving bowls.Need value for insurence. All brocken and blackened by fire, Thank you, ASP/Jan C.

Answer:
Jan, Thank you for providing a thorough description of the Orleans collection. I can readily provide an estimated value based on the information you’ve given. Book value for this collection is around $2000, assuming all pieces are in excellent condition. This figure would be considered replacement or "retail" value. In other words, what one could expect to pay an knowledgeable antique dealer to purchase such a large set. This is not the same as the value a potential seller of such a collection should expect to realize. Thanks Larry