Question:
I have an Red Wing Orleans hand painted 14 inch plate that hangs on the wall in perfect condition. I believe my mother in law received it as a wedding gift here in Canada around the 1930’s. Is it of any possible value?

Answer:
Orleans is one of four patterns in the Provincial shape introduced in 1941. Orleans was made until 1950. The 14 inch platter (or chop plate) was among the pieces available in the Orleans pattern.

In 1942, blank 14 inch platters were "borrowed" to produce a series of African-themed art pieces. These African platters had two small holes on the backside to hold wire and were intended strictly for display, not for dining. The African platters apparently did not sell well and were soon discontinued. Rather than discard the remaining unused platters with holes, they were simply decorated with artwork for Orleans and the other Provincial patterns and sold as dinnerware. Yours is apparently one such platter.

An Orleans 14 inch platter in excellent condition would be worth around $40 to $60. The holes may be of interest to some collectors but the value would not be significantly higher, perhaps an extra $10 to $25.

Larry