Question:
My wife was an avid and aggressive collector ( # 799 ) of all things Red Wing. She passed 18 months ago. I am now in the process of inventorying somewhere close to 400 pieces of Red Wing Dinnerware, crocks, jugs, art ware, commemeratives and collectibles. I’m looking for advice about how to approach the sale of a very large collection. According to the "identify & price" books I’ve purchased, I have some very rare and expensive items in this collection. Thanks Ted

Answer:
Ted, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Hopefully I can be of some help. From your email, a collection of almost 400 pieces of Red Wing is quite extensive. In order for you to capture it’s best worth in my opinion would be a large auction scheduled close to the July Red Wing Convention. You may need to schedule this down the road as this year’s July convention is booked. My advise to you would be to contact Houghton’s Auction Service at 1967 Launa Ave. Red Wing, MN 55066 or another reputable Auction Services in the Red Wing area and discuss your best options with them. Book prices are strictly a guide. Some items listed will not bring a books value where other items listed are well below what they may bring. Auctions in Red Wing during the convention period seems to bring out the best in Red Wing values. Good luck. Al Kohlman

Question: {mosimage}
One of my customers brought the pictured crock in last month, and I just got around to doing some research on it. He claims that it’s been in his family for at least 60 years. His family made pickles in it!

It has a pull-out spout on the bottom, and a cork on the top, to the left of the "front".

Any thoughts or info would be greatly appreciated!

And this crock is for sale, at his request, so if anyone is interested, please feel free to contact me!

Thank you so much! Dan

Answer:
Dan, nice looking crock. This Red Wing crock was manufactured prior to 1915. It was manufactured for dairies and Laboratories. Without the Red Wing oval and the spigot holes, this crock is somewhat unique from the other standard 15 gallon Red Wing Crocks. Hopefully some lucky Red Wing Collector will read this question and shoot you an email. Good luck! Al Kohlman

Question:
My in-laws gave me a "jug" that has a number 5 on it with the red wing logo on it to put in a garage sale. I think this has some value, so I’m afraid to put it in the garage sale. How much is this piece worth? Thanks, Lisa

Answer:
Lisa, if your Red Wing 5 Gallon jug is a shoulder jug (it will have a 1/2" lip at the dome of the jug) it is valued between $50 & $100. This price will differ depending on the size of the wing (4 1/2" wing is worth more than a 2 7/8" wing. Also, with no chips, cracks or hairlines, the value will be on the higher side. If it is a 5 gallon beehive (jug will have a beehive shape with no 1/2" lip just below the dome. In perfect condition, $350. Any damage and the price will be greatly reduce. Now, put it in that garage sale. Thanks Al Kohlman

Question:
I have a Red Wing 3 Gallon Crock with a little bee on it. It is in perfect condition and was given to me by my grandma a long time ago. Is it worth anything? Thanks Tania

Answer:
Tania, I guess I need a little more information or a photo of your crock before I can be of any help. In your email you mention a bee. Do you mean a bee sting or a target mark? If this is the case, your crock would be a salt glazed crock. If it is indeed a salt glazed crock, how do you know it is Red Wing? Is it marked? Again if you could give me more information or a photo, I will be better able to help you out. thanks Al Kohlman

Question:{mosimage}
This question is for Al, I think. I have a white spitton with blue sponging. I don’t want to steer you in the wrong direction but it is very similar in looks and size to the albany slip spittons that Northstar did.It is 4-5/8" tall and 7-1/8" in diameter. I also have a 10 Gallon Red Wing Union Stoneware (with out bail handles) that has a "blue/red" wing.It appears that it was double stamped or maybe the stamp was double dipped. The last thing I will ask about is a 5-gallon shoulder threshing jug with Johnson Apple Cider, Portland, Oregon advertising on it. It has the common 5, Red Wing and oval marks on the oppisite side. This is coming up for auction soon.
Thanks, any help would be great! Denny

Answer:
Dennis, after reviewing the photo of the double stamped wing, I would have to say the small amount of blue cobalt in the wing would not affect it’s price. However, the wing is clear as is the number 10. They are also fairly dark in color. If it has an oval an in mint condition, I would put the value in the range of $95 to $125. Al Kohlman

Dennis, after reviewing the photo of the double stamped wing, I would have to say the small amount of blue cobalt in the wing would not affect it’s price. However, the wing is clear as is the number 10. They are also fairly dark in color. If it has an oval an in mint condition, I would put the value in the range of $95 to $125. Al Kohlman