Question:
I am from central Wisconsin, Appleton Area. I got alot of stoneware from my grandfather. I wanted to know information such as price and maybe breif history on the 10 gallon water cooler, with original spout. The union stoneware print is about 2 and 3/4 inches long. The other large 10 gallon crock has not Pattened on it and no handles. Want to price and history, i assume it is older and not worth alot. The biggest question i had was information and prices on the beehive jugs. The brown on is unmarked and i think i saw it in a collectors price guide(85 dollars). The other one is a 4 gallon jug with turkey droppings and a target and tail design. Is this a more favorable design than the rib and tail. How about price i saw in a price guide for rib design a price of 2,500 plus; but i doubt ever see it. I am a young collector 22years of age and find a great thrill in redwing hunting. I also have other pattened 10 gallon crocks, and McCombs stoneware products but think am finding Red Wing more interesting. Also trying to find the best id and price guide book on the market today can you suggest one. The couple that i have looked at so far do not have alot of water colors, target tail design, or common wing and union stoneware products in them. Thank you.
Answer: Your 10 water cooler without the lid and in mint condition would have a value between $300 & $500. With the original lid, it’s value would be much higher. Water coolers are down in value, so you cooler will need to have excellent markings to demand the higher value. Your water cooler was most likely manufactured in the 1920’s.
Your 10 gallon crock with no handles should have the large 6 inch wing. It is older than those with handles and will usually demand a higher value. In mint condition any where from $125 up to $175. Manufactured between 1909 & 1915.
The smaller Albany slip beehive jug that is unmarked would have very little value. Collectors look for decorations or advertising. Value on the small unmarked jug would be in the area of $15 to $20.
Your 4 gallon beehive jug with the lazy 8 & target mark is a cute jug and would fetch around $300. Both of your jugs were most likely manufactured between 1887 & 1895. The double rib cage beehive jugs are much harder find and demand a larger value. Leaf jugs are even tougher. But hang in there, they do come around.
There are two good books that I recommend. First is: Red Wing Stoneware by Dan Depasquale, Gail Peck and Larry Peterson. Second is Red Wing Potters & Their Wares (Second Edition) by Gary & Bonnie Tefft. If you Goggle these titles, you should be able to find them. Have fun collecting.
If you are not already a member of the Red Wing Collectors Society you may want to consider joining it is only $25 annually with a great newsletter, events and online resourses.
Al Kohlman