Question:

I came into possession of a 5 gal. beehive jug that is going to be used to replicate the Little Brown Jug football trophy that spends time in the University of Michigan or Minnesota trophy case, depending on the year. I’d like to make sure that the jug I have is not inordinately valuable. I understand the history and collectible nature of Red Wing pieces and I realize that painting any such piece might be cause to shudder, but want to make sure that painting this particular jug wouldn’t be a catastrophe. To be more precise, I want to be sure that this jug isn’t especially rare or valuable.

It’s in great shape. Apart from a little dirt, the defect I can find is a chip where the handle meets the spout. There’s a light spot on the edge of the base that seems to be a high/low spot that simply has less dirt on it. There are no cracks to be found.

Also, did Red Wing provide corks or stoppers in their jugs? When I found this, I was told the stopper was original. Could that be true?

Thanks for any help.
Martin

Answer:

Martin, Red Wing beehive jugs are a little soft currently.  With the small chip by the spout, the value would be $200 at best.  Also, the Red Wing Stoneware Company did not produce or sell corks.  This was an item that you would have purchased at your hardware store.  Hope this information was helpful.  Al Kohlman

Question:

Hi there,

Just wondering if you could tell me anything about the crock in the attached pictures ? It had a large chunk out of the rim and a crack in the bac. Jim

Answer:

Jim, you have a Minnesota Stoneware Company salt glazed 6 gallon rib cage butter churn.  This churn was produced sometime between 1883 & 1894.  If it were in perfect condition, the value would be around $600.  In it’s present condition, maybe $30.   Al Kohlman

Question: 
Hello!

Could you please give me some information on these crocks?

They are 8″ tall and 7″ in diameter. The covers are wood. One of them is missing the ball on the top of the cover.

Thanks so much! I enjoy your website.

Carolyn

Answer:

Carolyn,  what you have are Red Wing Stoneware Steam Table jars that are bottom signed.  These jars were used in cafeterias to keep food warm while serving students, guess or visitors.   The lids are not original to the jars.  In perfect condition, the value is around $30 each.  Al Kohlman

Question:

I just got these two pieces. I’m just wondering the value on them. The #6 doesn’t have any flaws on it besides rust on the handles. The #12 is great except the two handles have been broken off. Would you mind giving me your estimate? Also, I’m thinking of buying a 12 gallon crock that just has the 12 on it. I’m not sure if it is marked on the bottom, however it doesn’t have the red wing stamp on it. Should I look on the bottom for a mark if its not on the crock itself? Is the value lower on the #12 with no wing on it? I don’t have a picture of it but I can’t find any info on red wing crocks without the red wing stamp on it as far as value. I would assume that collectors look for that.

Thanks so much for your help!

Maelea

Answer:

Maelea, your 6 gallon Red Wing crock in perfect condition has a value between $90 & $100.  The 12 gallon which has the handles broken  off would have a value around $50 at best.  The handles broken off really affects its value.  Now the 12 gallon crock with just the number 12 on it will most likely not be bottom signed.   If the 12 has an oval and no red wing, then the value could be in the $200 range.  If it is just the 12, the value will drop to maybe $75 or so.  Hope this is helpful.  Al Kohlman

Question:

I am looking for an approximate value on a 5 gallon Red Wing water cooler.  Is this something you can help me with?  Do I need to be a member? I have attached a photo.

Thank you,

Kristi

Answer:

Kristi, no you do not need to be a member to ask questions.    If we break down your Red Wing water cooler, I think that may help you better understand the value of it.  If everything I mention is in perfect condition, then here are their values.  The cooler itself is $300 or so.  The 5 gallon cooler lid $350 and bubbler $80.   Hope this was helpful.  Al Kohlman

Question:

I have several old Red Wing crocks, all in very good condition with no
cracks.The smallest is for whipping cream.The next size has a “1” on the daisy cover but no marks on the crock itself One is marked 2; the other marked 3 – both with covers with the flower pattern on the covers. The biggest one is a 6.   No cover but with handles.  I use this one for a silk plant!

Two pictures attached.  Can you tell me what these were probably used for and
their probable age?  I remember my mother making pickles in #6.  Also, what is their value?

Finally, what do people use them for today?

Thanks. Kathy

Answer:

Kathy, lets start by breaking down the pieces you have.   If all are in perfect condition than here are the approximate values.   The 6 gallon Red Wing crock has a value between $90 & $100.  The 3 gallon crock $70 to $75.  The 3 gallon lid, $125 to
$135.  2 gallon crock $60 to $70,  2 gallon lid $125, One gallon crock $25 to $30 & 1 gallon crock lid $90 to $100. The Red Wing beater jar $80. All of these crocks were used for canning or food storage.  Today, some are used for canning and others basically display and collections.   Hope this is helpful.  Al Kohlman

Question:

I am wondering what this Red Wing Water Crock is worth.  My Mother in Law has had it for years.  It is in great condition, no issues I could notice besides for a minor glazing defect on the front near the where the water spout was (you can see it in the picture). Thanks Bert

Answer: Bert, your mother in-laws Red Wing 6 gallon Ice Water has a
value between $800 & $1000 in today’s market.  A nice piece of Red
Wing!  Al Kohlman

Question:

I have a 5 gallon churn with wire handles, very similar to the 4 gallon in the photo below (I don’t have a good all in one photo of mine).  I also include what photos I have of mine.

I have been unable to find a photo and or price on line for an exact match.  I see plenty of 4 gallon or smaller, and a few 5 gallon churns without handles, but not one like mine.

There is no lid however the churn itself is in excellent condition with no cracks.

Can you give me a ball park figure on value?

Thanks

Ron

Answer:

Ron, you do not see as many Red Wing churns with the wire
handles as you do without.  However, there are not very many collectors
that I know of who go after the wire handle churns versus the no wire handle
churns and therefore the value is about the same.  Value as I see it in
todays market.   $150 to $200.   Al Kohlman

Question: I have a question about a double marked jug..what is its value.
I also have an albany slip glaze churn, what is the value and year it was
created..

Thank you

Jeannie

Answer:

Jeannie,  your Red Wing 5 gallon shoulder jug with the number 3 stamped on the spout is somewhat hard to find, but that small #3 does
little to raise its value.  Value $100 to $110.  Your Albany slip
butter churn is not Red Wing.  I have no idea of maker, history or value
on it.  Al Kohlman

Question: It is 12 inches. Please advise on value as well.
Thanks Crystal

Answer:

Crystal, your Red Wing Gray Line 12″ bowl is a great
piece.  However, the chip on the bottom rim and hairline in the side of
the bowl, just kills it’s value.   Bowls to Red Wing collectors are
like glass to glassware collectors.  Any damage and collectors shy away
from the piece.  So even if it seems small to you, it is huge to
collectors.  The way your bowl sits as I see it,  $40 to $50.
Al Kohlman