Question: Hi,

I have a white covered butter dish.  From research I just found out it may be vintage and collectable.

This is white, not pink or green and would love to know the pattern.  Maybe its worth, given it is in excellent condition.

Christine

Answer:

This is a covered butter dish from the Tweed Tex pattern, one of six patterns made in the Anniversary shape.  Tweed Tex was made from 1953 to 1956 and all items are entirely white.  Most collectors value Tweed Tex lower than the colorfully decorated items from the other five Anniversary patterns.    Value for a Tweed Tex butter dish in excellent undamaged condition is $20-30.

Larry

Question:

Can  you tell me what I should be asking when selling the following items from the Lexington Dinnerware line.

Perfect pieces

Creamer

Spoon holder

3 cups

2 small sauce bowls

2 divided vegetable bowls

1 divided relish

1 saucer

1 flat celery dish

4 plates

Oval platter

Imperfect pieces

Teapot

Gravy boat

2 cups

3 small sauce bowls

Casserole w/lid (lid handle was broken in two, glued back together, but not very well)

2 saucers

Small bowl

Large serving bowl

4 plates

Tall pitcher – tiny nick in spout

Teapot

Some of the imperfections are crackle.  Do you think bleach would take some of the dark away?

Jerry

Answer:

Please see below for my estimated values.  All values that I provide are my estimate of the current market value for a SINGLE item in excellent, undamaged condition.  I cannot say what the owner should ask as a sales price because that depends on numerous factors that are unknown to me.  See the “Selling Red Wing” portion of the FAQ section on the RWCS web site.  I also cannot provide estimated values that are adjusted for damage.  My general rule of thumb is that damage reduces the value by 25 to 75%.  Damage must be viewed to make a proper evaluation and even then collectors often disagree.  The decrease in value depends on the location, extent and visibility of the damage and whether or not the item is especially difficult to find. 

I never use bleach to clean stained dinnerware.  If not done properly it can ruin pottery. I have attached an article that I wrote on the subject for the RWCS newsletter back in 2003. 

Creamer:  $5-10

Spoon holder:  $50-75

Tea cup:  $5-7

Small sauce bowl:  $5-10

Divided vegetable bowl:  $20-30

Divided relish (3 sections): $20-30

Saucer:  $5-7

Celery dish:  $20-30

Plates: $5-15 each, depending on the size

Oval platter:  $20-25

Teapot:  $25-35

Gravy boat: $20-25

Casserole w/lid:  $20-30

Small bowl (cereal?):  $10-15

Large serving bowl:  $15-20

Tall pitcher: $20-25

Larry

Question:

Hi,

We have just aquired 70+ pieces of Delta Blue, only 2 or 3 have small chips, and some have a few blow outs which is normal….I need a value guide to sell this.  I have about 15 serving pieces

BEN

Answer:

The values I provide are my current estimate of what a knowledgeable buyer would be willing to pay a knowledgeable seller, which in my opinion is fair market value.  Actual selling prices difficult to gather because they are generally not available to the public.  This is especially true for a hard to find pattern like Delta Blue.  My values assume excellent undamaged condition and are for one of the item described. 

Dinner plate:  $60-75
Salad plate:  $15-25
Cup & saucer:  $20-25
Saucer:  $7.50-10
Fruit bowl:  $15-20
Creamer:  $20-25
Sugar with cover:  $20-25
Oval divided veg dish:  $30-35
Round veg bowl:  $30-35
15″ oval platter:  $40-50
Pitcher 4 cup size:  $40-50
1 gallon coffee pot with side knobs and cover but no stand:  $80-100
Butter dish with cover:   $40-50
4 quart casserole with cover and stand (under plate):   $75-90
Teapot with cover:  $90-100
Bean Pot with cover 2 quart: $50-60
Waffle dish cover:  $100-125  (very rare piece)

Larry

Question:

We just found a covered jar marked “Red Wing U.S.A. 725-L” at the bottom.  The lid has the number 725.  Where can we find out more information about the piece?

Thank you,

Dennis

Answer:

The item in the photo is a large Jolly Jar.  In 1960 Red Wing introduced three sets of Jolly Jars, each set with a different design.  Each set featured jars in three sizes (small, medium and large).  The names of the three designs were Sweet Shop, Mosaic and Sierra.  The jar in the photo is from the Sierra design and is the large size.  The L after the mold number indicates Large; the other two sizes logically included a S or an M after the number. 

Jolly Jars aren’t part of any dinnerware pattern, and they aren’t really art pottery either.  They were promoted in a brochure titled ”Giftware and Novelty Items”, so that is how they are categorized by most collectors.  Value for a Jolly Jar in excellent, undamaged condition is $40-50. 

Larry

Question:

Hello, Do you have any idea whether there was a Bob White design flower vase produced?Attached are three photos (views: front, side, back) of a piece I haven’t been able to find any specific information on… Any assistance would be appreciated. Zane

Answer:

Yes, the photo shows a Bob White cruet without a stopper.  I’ve attached a photo of a pair of cruets complete with stoppers and the wrought iron stand that came with them.  (In later years the stand was made with copper rather than black iron). 

Bob White Cruet with Iron Stand apart

Larry

Question:

Hi!  

I have a question for the artware folks:  can you tell me anything about this little teal-glazed vase?  It stands 3-3/4 inches tall and is only about 2-1/2 inches wide.  It’s marked “Red Wing” on the bottom and is glazed in white on the inside.

Can you help?

Thanks!

Martha

Answer:

The item in the photo is not a vase.  It is a turquoise cruet from the “Plain” dinnerware pattern, which is part of the vast Gypsy Trail line.  It was made in the late 1930s and was available in turquoise, yellow, orange, blue and ivory.  Value for this cruet is $25-30 if it is in excellent condition. 

Larry

Question:

I inherited this green coy fish from my grandmother who lived in lake city, mn.  I know little else besides it has red wing written on the bottom.

Answer:

Besides RED WING USA there should also be a three digit number on the bottom.  If the number is 248, the item is a fish-shaped casserole.  If the number is 247, then it is a marmite (individual casserole) and is considerably smaller than the casserole.  Fish and Chicken shaped casseroles and marmites were made in the mid 1940s and were part of the Gypsy Trail Hostess Ware group.   Assuming excellent condition with no damage or staining, value for the marmite is $40-60 and the casserole $60-80.

Larry

Question:

Hello,
 
And thank you for your time and patience in advance in reviewing my request for information. 
 
I have picked up three Red Wing items that I am curious about history, correct names, their patterns and of course their market value and values for insurance.
 
1.  First one… is a Smart Set double casserole with stand.  (see photo)
     a.  The pottery is free from any crazing, cracks or any chips, with the one exception shown in the attached photo of the lid. (marked in red square – see photo)/
     b.  Was there any kind of rubber between the pottery handles and the wire frames…..they are not present now.  What do you know of this issue?
     c.  Also, I have added small plastic feet on the bottoms of the wire frame to avoid scratches on my table……I expect they may have been rubber?? What do you know of this issue?
    d.  And was there a black holder for a candle or for a sterno can or how did the heating originally work?
    e.  Also, I have seen these size casseroles with LlDS with the design like on the plates (not black like these have) what’s the story with that?
    f.   Finally, what would you value it at both for “market value” and “insurance value”, if they are different???
 
2.  Second piece is just the wire frame stand for a the same size casserole as in the doulbe set above. 
     a.  This has a small black holder for what I don’t know, a candle? / sterno?
     b.  What is it’s value?
 
3.  The final piece is a ‘Midnight Rose’  tid bit tray (see photo). No crazing, cracks or any chips of any kind.  Also no knife scrapes. 
    a.   What does the “Anniversary” part/name mean or is there for?  How does it relate this pattern.  Is it the name of the blanks as we guess that, that is what it means?
   b.    What would you value it at both for “market value” and “insurance value”, if they are different?
 
Would you be so kind as to email me the ‘web page link’ where my question with the answer will be posted on the website.  I haven’t been able to locate it.
 
ONCE AGAIN, WE VERY MUCH APPRECIATE YOUR HELP IN ANSWERING THE ABOVE!
 
THANK YOU & GOD BLESS!
Ron & Janey

Answer:

1.  First one… is a Smart Set double casserole with stand.  (see photo)
     a.  The pottery is free from any crazing, cracks or any chips, with the one exception shown in the attached photo of the lid. (marked in red square – see photo)/
     b.  Was there any kind of rubber between the pottery handles and the wire frames…..they are not present now.  What do you know of this issue?  Yes, a rubber ring or gasket was originally present.  It is quite common for rubber parts to dry out and deteriorate over time.  Yours could very well have simply dried out and fallen apart.  Attached is a photo of the same item with at least one of the gaskets in place.

     c.  Also, I have added small plastic feet on the bottoms of the wire frame to avoid scratches on my table……I expect they may have been rubber?? What do you know of this issue?  Yes, there were black rubber “feet” on the ends of the iron legs.

    d.  And was there a black holder for a candle or for a sterno can or how did the heating originally work?  Yes, there was a black cup or holder for a small heating candle that came with the stand.  Attached is a photo of a similar stand from the Bob White pattern with the two cups in place.

    e.  Also, I have seen these size casseroles with LlDS with the design like on the plates (not black like these have) what’s the story with that?  Covers for Smart Set pieces could be purchased in either contrasting black or decorated with the matching Smart Set pattern.  The choice was up to the customer. 

    f.   Finally, what would you value it at both for “market value” and “insurance value”, if they are different???  I am collector, not an appraiser.  I am willing to provide my estimate of the current market value for Red Wing dinnerware but do not get involved with appraisals or insurance values.  Value for a complete Smart Set double casserole stand with two covered casseroles would be $100-125. 
 
2.  Second piece is just the wire frame stand for a the same size casserole as in the doulbe set above. 
     a.  This has a small black holder for what I don’t know, a candle? / sterno?  It holds a small votive-type candle.

     b.  What is it’s value?   For the stand alone, around $25-30 assuming excellent condition.
 
3.  The final piece is a ‘Midnight Rose’  tid bit tray (see photo). No crazing, cracks or any chips of any kind.  Also no knife scrapes. 
    a.   What does the “Anniversary” part/name mean or is there for?  How does it relate this pattern.  Is it the name of the blanks as we guess that, that is what it means?  There were six patterns produced in the Anniversary shape. This shape was introduced in 1953, which was the 75^th anniversary of Red Wing Stoneware Company.  Numerous events were held to celebrate this anniversary, including the naming of this dinnerware line.

   b.    What would you value it at both for “market value” and “insurance value”, if they are different?  Tidbit trays were not considered to be part of the dinnerware pattern.  They were sold as giftware.  Tidbit trays were a way for Red Wing Potteries to use up surplus stocks of plates and bowls, usually after a pattern had been discontinued.  Workers drilled a hole in the leftover pieces and then assembled them into one, two or three tiered tidbit trays.  Most of these were sold at the Red Wing Potteries Salesroom along with “seconds” (flawed pieces).  Many collectors consider tidbit trays to be ruined by the hole and values are minimal, not more than $25 and usually less than $10.

Question:

Hello,

This vase is marked “Red Wing”, and also has “JP 79″ inscribed on the bottom.

I’m assuming that someone used a Red Wing mold to produce this. Could that

be correct, and does it have any value?

Thanks!

Jane

Answer:

Yes, this little pitcher was undoubtedly made by a hobby potter or art school student using an old Red Wing mold.  Such pieces are actually quite common because Red Wing sold all their molds when the business folded in 1967.  These pieces have no value as a Red Wing collectible, but some collectors like to acquire them as curiosities.  They seldom sell for more than $25 and usually quite a bit less than that. 

Larry

Question:

Recently, my mother left me with a set of Tampico, I am wondering what its value might be.  I’m not certain if I should try to sell it as an odd numbered set or try selling piece by piece… 

There are a lot of pieces…

16 cup and saucers, 15 dinner plates, 8 salad plates, 11 bread and butter plates, 10 berry bowls, 11 cereal bowls, 2 sugar bowls with lids, 1 creamer, 1 divided vegetable dish, 2 8″ Serving bowls, 3 9″ serving bowls, 1 covered casserole, 1 large oval platter, 1 footed cake stand, 1 gravy boat, 1 relish dish, 1 butter dish, and a salt and pepper set.  There is also a 10″ footed serving bowl with no melon or wine motif – just the speckled background.  Is this another pattern?

The pieces are in good condition, except the following pieces have a small chip along the rim or edge:

4 of the berry bowls, 2 of the 9″ serving bowls. 

Thank you for your kind consideration and all of the information provided on your website.  It is invaluable!

Beth 

Recently, my mother left me with a set of Tampico, I am wondering what its value might be.  I’m not certain if I should try to sell it as an odd numbered set or try selling piece by piece… 

There are a lot of pieces…

16 cup and saucers, 15 dinner plates, 8 salad plates, 11 bread and butter plates, 10 berry bowls, 11 cereal bowls, 2 sugar bowls with lids, 1 creamer, 1 divided vegetable dish, 2 8″ Serving bowls, 3 9″ serving bowls, 1 covered casserole, 1 large oval platter, 1 footed cake stand, 1 gravy boat, 1 relish dish, 1 butter dish, and a salt and pepper set.  There is also a 10″ footed serving bowl with no melon or wine motif – just the speckled background.  Is this another pattern?

The pieces are in good condition, except the following pieces have a small chip along the rim or edge:

4 of the berry bowls, 2 of the 9″ serving bowls. 

Thank you for your kind consideration and all of the information provided on your website.  It is invaluable!

Beth

Answer:

Please see the “How can I sell my Red Wing Pottery pieces” section for advice on selling Red Wing.   This advice can be found on the RWCS website under “FAQ” under the “About Us” menu.  You may want to consider selling 8 place settings (dinner plate, salad plate, B&B plate, berry bowl, cereal bowl, cup & saucer) as a unit, then sell the rest of the pieces individually. 

Values below are for items in excellent undamaged condition.  Damage reduces the value by 25 to 75% or more, depending on the extent and location of the damage.

Dinner plate:  $15-20

Salad plate:  $7.5-12

B&B plate:  $5-10

Cup & saucer:  $10-15

Cereal bowl:  $ 10-15

Sauce dish (berry bowl): $5-10

Sugar bowl & cover:  $12-15

Creamer:  $12-15

Divided vegetable dish:  $25-30

Rim soup bowl (8”):  $15-20

Nappy bowl (9”):  $15-20

Covered casserole:  $40-50

Platter 13” or 15”:  $25-40

Gravy boat:  $25-30

Cake stand:  $40-60

Relish dish:  $15-20

Covered butter dish:  $20-25

Salt & Pepper:  $20-25

The beige fleck serving bowl with no decoration is not a part of any dinnerware pattern.  This bowl is among a number of beige fleck-glazed accessory items that Red Wing sold as giftware.  These could be used alone, or they could be matched with any of the beige fleck patterns such as Tampico, Bob White or Lute Song.  This bowl is common and is worth around $15.

Larry