The 2011 Commemorative is a salt glazed butter churn. The churns were produced from 1877 through the late 1890s. They varied in size between 2 gallons and 10 gallons and came with many different hand-drawn cobalt decorations, such as ribcages, leaves, drop-8s, butterflies and targets. Although rare, salt glazed churns decorated with a cobalt bird also exist.
In 2011, the Red Wing Collectors Society produced three different versions of its Commemorative. Version "A" is 90% of the total made, version "B" is 9% and version "C" consists of 35 pieces to match the Convention’s 35th anniversary. No one knew which version they were going to receive until they selected a sealed box at the Convention or received their piece in the mail.
Version "A" has a lazy 8 target design, version "B" has a butterfly and version "C" has a bird. The Commemoratives are all stamped just like vintage churns. The stamp can appear on the front, back or either side. The stamp resembles a vintage slit oval stamp and reads "RWCS Convention 2011". The Commemoratives were produced by Maple City Pottery in Monmouth, Illinois. The churns were hand-turned, hand-decorated and glazed with hand-thrown salt. The churn lid was pressed in a two-piece mold.
The 2011 Special Commemorative is a transition butter churn. It is decorated with a hand-drawn cobalt leaf and resembles the zinc glaze appearance that the Red Wing Stoneware and Minnesota Stoneware companies introduced when they moved away from the salt glaze process from 1895 to 1900. The Specials are all stamped on the front. There were 18 Special Commemoratives made. They were given out as awards for displays, prizes and various drawings including a new drawing at the Thursday Night Auction. In addition, one was auctioned in the Commemorative Room.
It not too late to order your commemorative or come to Convention! Register at Red Wing High School each day of the Convention. Not able to attend call 800-977-7927 and order one to be mailed today.
I picked up what looks like the lower tray for a planter. It’s marked Red Wing USA 940 that stands proud from the bottom. It is 2 1/4" high with a 10 1/2′ diameter. It’s baby blue in color with a grey glazed upper edge. The sides of this round tray alternates colors in 3/8" stripes. The colors are grey, the base light blue, brighter blue then it repeats all the way around. What year was this made and what is the approximate value? Mark.jpg)
Question on a piece of artware found while cleaning out the house I am house sitting. Had a stamp on the bottom #163. Wondering some history on the piece and what is it worth? thanks, Mike
I have a 5 gal RW jug that has a chip on the bottom rim, the glaze has two drip flaws on the left (when facing front) and a ceramic flaw to the right (it is not a crack). What I have not seen, is another jug of this type with a "6" painted at the neck/spout. Does anyone know about this particular release and its value? Bob
I have an 8 gallon Red Wing Water Cooler in near perfect condition. Original handles, has always been in doors, minute crack on lid but no piece missing. Have a wood spigot that fits but not original metal one if that is what it supposed to have. We have had this since first married and wonder what the value is or how to perhaps sell it. It is 17 inches tall and 14 inches across the lid. We also have a 10 gallon open crock 17 1/2 tall and 14 1/2 across the top. It is in great condition. The ‘kids’ are not as interested so maybe time to thin our collection. They would be a beautiful addition to a collection. Thanks, Maryann
I’m not sure that my previous message went through. I recently purchased this 3 gallon beehive jug with turkey droppings. Some have said that it is Redwing, while others have said that it’s Ohio. Based on what you have said in other responses, I am leaning towards Red Wing because of the way the handle is attached. It looks as though the makers thumbs were used. I tried to attach a picture of both the front and back of the jug, but without success. I look forward to your expert opinion. Stephanie
I bought this Redwing Piece at a flea market recently but haven’t seen a piece like it EVER. Can you tell me how much it might be worth? There is a small chip on the pour spout and a crack in the glaze at the bottom of the pot. Carmen
I have a Red Wing Union Stoneware Co. 5 gal. crock. In the blue oval are the company name and RED WING, MINN. The crock has two small and I would guess, old chips on the top rim. There is one chip on the underside that is about the size of a quarter. Visible on the outside bottom edge of the crock is another chip which is about 1 1/2 in. by 1/2 in. and 1/4 in. deep. The underside is bumpy rough with no markings. I would be pleased to have an idea of its value. FYI, we live in southwest Ohio and the crock was bought in this area. Dede
I have a Red Wing Crock, Water Cooler with spigot and handles, No. 5 is on it. I do not have the lid. It is in very good shape. Can you tell me what it is worth? Sandra