Question: {mosimage}
My mother handed down a water cooler that used to be in her one-room school house. I am curious about the year it was made and if it has any value. It appears to have a crack on the bottom edge, but it does hold water and does work when the button is pushed.

Answer:
Edie, your mother’s Red Wing water cooler was manufactured after 1930. The Red Wing on your cooler is roughly 1-5/8". The Red Wing contained Uranium which became very expensive prior to World War 2. Therefore the size of the wing can help us date the piece. Also, the words "WATER COOLER" is plain and not scrolled, which makes your mother’s cooler the latest molded version. If the cooler were in excellent condition which includes the lid and bubbler, it would be valued in the area of $600. The crack on the bottom of the cooler will reduce the value, but with out seeing how extensive it is, it is hard for me to say how much. Al Kohlman

Question: {mosimage}
I have 3 redwing jugs from Chicago Heights IL. They are Sam Jaffee, and Sol Ruvel, 2 different distributers from my local area. Althought I do see the smaller 1 and 2 gallon. How rare are the two 4 gallon, and one five gallon?
Thanks Steve

Answer:
Steve, the larger advertising jugs are always harder (and, yes rarer) to come by than the 1/2, 1 & 2 gallon advertising jugs. I have seen both Ruvel & Jaffe advertising in the 1/2 gallon jug size. Your 4 & 5 gallon jugs would be valued in the neighborhood of $750 to $800.
— jeff and sue

Question:
What is the value of a one gallon red wing crock? 4 gallon red wing crock? and value of a one gallon jug, it’s white/grey with carry ring approx. one gallon?
Thanks Melanie

Answer:
Melanie, this is somewhat hard to answer without seeing a photo of the crocks and knowing what their condition is. Does your 1 gallon Red Wing crock have a Red Wing? If so, is it a 4 1/2" wing or a 2" wing, or no wing at all. The 4 gallon crock. Does it have a 4 1/2" wing or a 2" wing? Your 1 gallon Red Wing jug. Is it stamped with the words Red Wing on the bottom or just plain? Are there any cracks, chips or hairlines on any of the pieces? As you can see, there are just to many variables that I need to know in order for me to give you an estimated value. If you could answer these questions for me or send photos, I will feel a bit more comfortable with estimating a value for you. Al Kohlman

Question: {mosimage}
I have this bowl it looks to be over 100 years old. It is 10" wide at top, it has a wire & wood handle comming across the top. Ithas a brown glaze on the inside. The markings on the botton reads THE GERMAN, then there is a star in the middle. And under the star it reads ACIDPROOF. Is this from the the north star stoneware company? Thanks Jeff

Answer:
Jeff, your bowl is not North Star. North Star did not manufacture casseroles with the words German embossed on the bottom. Also, the Red Wing Union Stoneware Company had a patent on the handles in 1915. If North Star had these handles prior to 1915, Red Wing would not have been granted a patent on them. My best guess on your bowl is The Star Stoneware Company of Crooksville, Ohio. Al Kohlman

Question:
We have a Redwing Crock that has the red wing marking with 2, that is attached to a two foot section of pipe. The pipe has a screw on the end which might indicate that it was attached to something. It was found buried on land near Farm Island Lake in MN where there used to be a maple syrup business. Can you tell me what it is and what it might have been used for? Also, does it have value. Thanks Deb

Answer:
Deb, your question is somewhat difficult to answer without a photo of your crock. I think what you are describing is a 2 gallon Red Wing crock with a spigot hole. These were made by Red Wing as small coolers, for laboratories and used for various reasons. If this is what it is, then depending on condition, size of the Red Wing and if it has an oval or no oval, the price can range from $100 to $300 if in mint condition. With a photo, I could give you a better description and more accurate value. Al Kohlman

Question:

We have a red wing 10 gallon water cooler with st. paul book and stationery advertisement on it. there is no spigot. how much do you think it is worth. it is in great shape. thanks Brenda

Answer:
Brenda, if your 10 gallon water cooler with the St. Paul’s advertising is in mint condition but has no lid the value is between $600 & $700. If you have the mint lid ad another $600.

Hope this helps. Al Kohlman

Question:
I have a medium size stoneware mixing bowl. It ‘s well over 100 years old. It has a wire and wood handle on it that comes over the top of it. The markings on the bottom read THE GERMAN, IT has a star in the very middle. and reads ACIDPROOF on the bottom. I was told you might able help me. I can ‘t seem to find anything out about this bowl. Thanks Jeff

Answer:
Jeff, I am afraid I cannot help you with your bowl. From your description, I can assure you it was not manufactured by any of the stoneware companies in Red Wing.

Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. Al Kohlman

Question:
Could you please let us know the value of the 8 gallon Deer Lobby Jars.We are downsizing and have 2-a signed green one and an unsigned tan. Also a 7inch high Union Stoneware Mason Jar. Bottom marked PATJAN241899.

Thank you very much.
Warm Regards,

Helen & John

Answer:
John, your signed green lobby jar would be valued in the area of $700 to $750. The tan jar would be in the area of $400. Cobalt Blue demands the highest price of these jars. Your 7" Union Mason Fruit jar has a range of $225 to $250 depending on color of stenciling. Blue ink being worth on the high end verses Black ink. Prices reflect pieces in mint condition.

Hope this helps. Al Kohlman