Category Archives: Uncategorized

Bob White hors d’oeuvre bird (toothpick holder) size

Question:

Hello , I am looking at buying a bob white red wing toothpick holder on line, there seems to be plenty available, but I noticed some sellers say it’s 9 inches tall and. Others say it is 8&a quarter inches tall, the shorter ones have a hard to read red wing on the bottom while the  9 inch is clear and easy to read. Could the shorter be a knock off? Can you tell me the correct height of the bob white tooth pick holder? Thank you !

Answer:

To my knowledge the Bob White hors d’oeuvre bird (toothpick holder) is not being reproduced. As the writer notes, there are plenty of original Red Wing holders available, thus there would be no great profit in reproducing new copies to sell.

The differences in the stated heights of various hors d’oeuvre birds could be due to several factors.  Irregularly shaped items like this are difficult to measure.  It’s not as easy as measuring the diameter of a plate or some other symmetrical object.  One person may take a measurement at a slightly different point than another or use a different method to obtain a measurement.

The mold used to form the bird is another factor.  All Bob White birds were not formed by the same mold; many different molds were used over the years of production.  There could be slight differences in size from mold to mold.  It’s also possible Red Wing intentionally altered the size slightly at some point.  I don’t know that to be true for this piece but during the Gypsy Trail years it was quite common.  The mold also accounts for the sharpness of the RED WING USA markings on the bottom.  The first bird made from a new mold will have sharp, clear markings.  The markings on the 100th bird made from that same mold will not be so sharp and clear because the mold gets worn down a bit with each use.  And it’s not only the markings that become less sharp. Other features of the item shaped by the mold become less distinct with each use.  Pieces formed by an old worn mold will have less value to today’s collectors than one with sharp, clear markings and features.

Variations in kiln firings are another potential source for slight variations in size.  A firing that went a little too long or was done at a higher temperature may result in a slightly smaller bird.

If the birds in question have the correct Bob White colors, they are almost certainly genuine Red Wing products.  It is very difficult for those in the reproduction business to exactly match the glaze colors used decades ago.

There is one caveat to consider.  When Red Wing Potteries went out of business in 1967, the company’s mold were sold to the public with no attempt to obliterate the RED WING markings in the molds. Many of these molds went to art schools and hobby shop potters.  Non-Red Wing items formed by genuine Red Wing molds frequently turn up for sale but usually they are quite easy to tell from the authentic Red Wing

product because the potter made no attempt to mimic the original.  Colors and decoration are not the same. Weight is another consideration; amateur pieces are usually heavier or lighter than the original due to the clay used to make the piece.  Amateur potters and art school students usually mark the piece with their name or initials and the year of production scratched into the wet clay.

Larry

8 Gallon Blue-Banded Crock Scores $4,200 at RWCS Convention Auction

Red Wing, MN? An 8 gallon Red Wing blue-banded pantry jar was the top item in this year’s Red Wing Collectors Society (RWCS) Convention Auction on July 11. Thanks to its good condition and the fact that the 8 gallon size is quite hard to find, it drew an impressive $4,200 gavel price.

The RWCS celebrated its 36th Anniversary at this year’s Convention, which brought nearly 1,500 visitors to the city of Red Wing from July 10-13 to buy, sell and learn more about the lines of Red Wing stoneware, art pottery and dinnerware. This year’s event was sponsored by Red Wing Stoneware, Red Wing Pottery, Larry’s Jugs Antiques and Treasure Island Casino.

Other items of interest in this year’s auction, which was operated by Houghton’s Auction Service, included a 2 gallon Elephant Ear Ice Water cooler (hairline), $2,100; 2 gallon “Geno Mfg. Co.” advertising water cooler (mint), $2,100; Red Wing Gray Line cake stand (cracked), $1,300; and a 20 gallon butterfly crock back-stamped “Red Wing
Stoneware Company” (mint), $1,050.

For notable art pottery items, a hard-to-find Red Wing Cleveland Brushed Ware vase sold for $1,200 and a pair of M3014 Decorator Line vases sold for $200 and $325, respectively. A 6.75-inch tall Nokomis glaze elephant sold for $450.

Top dinnerware lots included a large grouping of Town & Country dinnerware for $350 and a 31-piece lot of Ernest Sohn Butter Mold dinnerware for $325. The auction, which consisted of about 190 items, brought more than $58,000 in total sales.

Events throughout the week included the annual business meeting, a “Crock Hunt” scavenger hunt around the historic Mississippi River town, and the always anticipated Saturday Show & Sale. There was also a special display room at Red Wing High School, where members created their own unique displays for the education and enjoyment of attendees, combined with some fun and creative competition. Members bought and sold items throughout the week in the parking lot at Pottery Place Mall. About 200 volunteers helped make this year’s Convention a success. RWCS Members Dennis Nygaard, Steve Showers, Paul Boudin and Connie Mathison officially kicked off the Convention on July 11 with a keynote presentation on digging in the Red Wing Pottery Dump. The Goodhue County Historical Society Museum also got into the act by opening its vault of archives to RWCS members during the week.

To increase funds and support for its new museum space, the RWCS Foundation held “Wine-ing for Red Wing” – an event that featured food and beverages, silent and live auctions and live music by musician Karl Burke. The RWCS Foundation is in the process of renovating the north half of the Pottery Place Annex building to house the new Red Wing Pottery Museum, which is scheduled to open during next year’s RWCS Convention on July 9, 2014. The RWCS Foundation took in more than $30,000 in donations over the course of the week.

The year’s commemorative, which could be purchased only by RWCS members, was a Red Wing stoneware Bulldog figure. Two limited-edition commemoratives were also produced. These were mixed in with the regular commemoratives and all  commemoratives were packaged in sealed boxes, so a small number of members were fortunate enough to get one. Of all the Commemorative Bulldogs that were made, 90 percent were brown, 9 percent were white and black and 37 were two-toned tan. RWCS Commemorative Manager Bob Morawski also had several special items made that were auctioned off to benefit the Society.

Attendees had a good selection of topics to learn about during the educational sessions held on July 12, including an orientation for first timers, Red Wing zinc glaze, Red Wing 101, recent finds from the old pottery dump, Red Wing dinnerware, history of the villages surrounding the Goodhue County clay pits, Red Wing bowls and creating the 2013 RWCS Commemorative. Local potter Richard Spiller and Finnish potter Aba Luostarinen held hands-on pottery classes for adults, and the RWCS Foundation held an info session on all the news surrounding the future Red Wing Pottery Museum. In addition, the 2nd annual Crock Fest celebration featuring food vendors and music by The Crusiers was held at Red Wing’s Central Park later that day. It was sponsored by Maple City Pottery.

Another unique aspect of the RWCS Convention was the participation of the younger generation through the KidsView program. The Society is on the leading edge of creating engaging and educational ways to get the younger generations involved in collecting. The focus on these RWCS members is an important part of the vision of the Society to ensure its continued existence and growth. Many interactive and challenging activities and seminars were offered for children of all ages, such as learning how to bid at an auction, what to look for in an antique, and several hands-on pottery creation projects. KidsView Co-Chairs Sue Tagliapetra and Aarika Floyd announced at the annual business meeting at the end of the week that they were stepping down from their roles after many combined years of service. They were given a standing ovation from those in attendance.

Young Red Wing collectors ages 13 to 20 participated in the Young Collectors Club at Convention. Activities included a hands-on pottery wheel opportunity led by RWCS Member Frank Sheldon, and a hike up Red Wing’s famed Barn Bluff. The Young Collectors Club recently announced that participants can be eligible for a college
scholarship by participating in club activities and earning participation points. Contact program chairperson Wendy Callicoat at crocks701@aol.com for more information.

The next official RWCS event will be the annual MidWinter GetTogether, which will be held in Des Moines Feb. 6-8, 2014.

The Red Wing Collectors Society was founded in 1977 in Red Wing, Minn. and is devoted to educating people about all American pottery. There are about 4,000 members worldwide. The Red Wing Potteries had diverse pottery lines that included stoneware, dinnerware and art pottery. For more information or to become a member, call the RWCS business office at 800-977-7927, e-mail director@redwingcollectors.org or log on to www.RedWingCollectors.org. Find the RWCS on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

 

Seminar Lending Library

RWCS Convention Seminar Lending Library

Below is a complete listing of educational seminars available to members FREE of charge to borrow. They can be mailed to your home or picked up at the RWCS Business Office. If they are mailed to you, members must pay the return shipping cost.

To borrow a seminar, email the RWCS business office at director@redwingcollectors.org.

Video Lending Library download – current as of 2013

1992 – VHS unless noted

Collecting Red Wing Artware & Dinnerware by Tom Trulen & Robert Stapel (VHS & DVD)
Dinnerware/Artware ID Panel by Gary Antoline, Tom Trulen & Robert Stapel
Extinct Animals of Minnesota and North Dakota by Con & Sandy Short
Red Wing Spittoons & Cuspidors by Rich Cronemeyer
Stoneware ID Panel by Kent Williamson, Pat Hauke, & Bev Winchell
Tour of the Pottery by Sue Gillmer
Visits with Charles Murphy by Ron Linde, Mary & Otto Bang, & Darlene Dommel (VHS & DVD)
World of Miniatures by Chuck Drometer & Dale Erickson
Yellow Ware Revisited by Jack Vye

1993 – VHS unless noted
All About Auctions by Dick & Todd Houghton
Art Pottery & Dinnerware ID by Tom Trulen & Stan Bougie (VHS & DVD)
Collection of Art Pottery by Ray Reiss
Decorating with Red Wing Stoneware by Kathy Decker
Red Wing Commemoratives by Rich Cronemeyer
Shapes & Numbers on the Bottom of RW Art Pottery by Ron Linde
Stoneware ID Panel by Dave Hallstrom, Chuck Drometer, and Pat & Paul Hauke
Uncovering the RW Dump by Steve & Phyllis Showers

1994 – VHS unless noted
Collecting Red Wing Art Pottery by Ray Reiss
Dinnerware & Artware ID by Len Lindstrom and Dave & Ardelle Johnson
ID Panel by Dave Hallstrom, and Pat & Paul Hauke
Insuring Your Collection by Dale Erickson
Interview with Charles Murphy by Ron Linde
Less is More – Red Wing Mini Jugs by Larry & Larry Peterson
Repairing and Reproduction by Chuck Drometer
Red Wing Commemoratives by Rich Cronemeyer
Red Wing in Canada by Gary & Deb Noto (VHS & DVD)
Red Wing Paper Items by Dan DePasquale

1995 – VHS unless noted
Advertising Jugs by Larry & Larry Peterson (VHS & DVD)
The Bottle Stoneware Collection by Steve Ketchum
Collecting Red Wing Cookie Jars by Len Lindstrom & Kent Williamson
Dinnerware Knowledge for the Collector by Cliff Ekdahl (VHS & DVD)king Sense of Shape Numbers on Red Wing Pottery by Ron Linde
Red Wing Reproduction by Chuck Drometer
Red Wing/What Cheer Potter, Johnnie Nelson by Corrinne Reed

1996 Not Available

1997 Not Available

1998 Not Available

1999 – VHS unless noted
Advertising Red Wing Stoneware by Dave Kuffel (VHS & DVD)
Art Pottery New Pictures by Ray Reiss
Basic Terminology For Beginners by Con Short
Beginning Collections of Art Pottery by Tom Trulen
Categorizing Red Wing Oddities by Steve Brown
Collecting By Color by Deanna Juergens
Designer Ernest Sohn by Ron Linde
Dinnerware Identification by Curt Johnson (VHS & DVD)
Lids – The Finishing Touch by Con Short
Persistence Pays Off by Al Kohlman (VHS & DVD)
Red Wing Art Pottery Animals by Jennifer Keding
Salt Glaze Identification by Dave Short (VHS & DVD)
Stoneware, A National Overview by Mark Cellotti

2000 – VHS unless noted
Advertising Stoneware by Dave Kuffel (VHS & DVD)
Brushware: The Marked & Unmarked by Bob Cox
Collecting by Color – Part III by Deanna Juergens
Fondoso Dinnerware – Beginning a Collection by Monica Keding (VHS & DVD)
Investing in RW/Managing Your Collection by Byron Gunderson & Larry Peterson
Red Wing Memorabilia by Bob Bremer & Dave Hallstrom
Red Wing Mini Jugs by Chris Osterholz
Red Wing Stoneware Pitchers by Gail Peck
RumRill Glazes by Ron Linde
Stoneware 101 by Chuck French
The Stoneware Dumps of Red Wing by Dennis Nygaard
Eva Zeisel – Keynote Speaker (VHS & DVD)
Eva Zeisel – Questions & Answers

2001 – VHS unless noted
Memories of the Pottery by Edmund Alpers
Extinct Animals of MN & ND by Con Short
On the Trail of the Gypsy-Plain & Reed by Marilyn & Terry Moe
Salt Glaze-The Best of the Best by Keynote Speaker Dave Short (VHS & DVD)
Red Wing Bowl-er-ama by Chuck Hanson
Canadian Stoneware by Ron Linde (VHS & DVD)
Exploring Red Wing Bean Pots by Kent Williamson
Western Stoneware by Art Holliday
Buying on E-bay by Don Meyers (VHS & DVD)
Sherwood Brothers Pottery by Dennis Nygaard & Marv Juel
Jugs That Quack by Steve Ketchum
Decorating with Art Pottery by Deanna Juergens
Investing in Red Wing-Part 2 by Larry Peterson & Byron Gunderson

2002 – VHS unless noted
Becker Advertising and a Child’s Memories by Mike Back
Collecting According to Kuf by Dave Kuffel (VHS & DVD)
Coffee Anyone? By Tracy Callaghan-Kuffel
Developing a Goal-Protect & Preserve by Peterson and Gunderson
Early Memories of the Potteries by Helen Bell
George Rumrill: Schemer-Scoundrel-Thief by Byron Gunderson
Keynote Address – Walk Down Memory Lane
Murphy Designs at RW Potteries by Ron Linde
Pacific NW Advertising on RW Stoneware by Steve Muelich
Pre 1950’s Cookie Jars by Kent Williamson
Recent Dump Finds by Steve Showers and Dennis Nygaard
Red Wing Art Pottery Lamps by Jan Pinkert
What Do You Do With Your RW by Bonnie Myers

2003 – VHS only
Canning Jars by Art Holiday
Coffee Anyone? By Tracy Callaghan Kuffel
Collecting Red Wing Art Pottery by Deanna Juergens
Mini-Jugs – the Miniature Clay Giants by Dick Fastenau
Managing Your Collection into Maturity by Gunderson & Peterson
Memories of a Potter’s Daughter by Helen Bell
Red Wing Sewer Pipe by Wally Armstrong
Schleich Red Wing Pottery Collection Keynote by Steve & Rose Splittgerber
Overview of Red Wing Dinnerware # 1 by Larry Roschen & Terry Moe
Overview of Red Wing Dinnerware # 2 by Larry Roschen & Terry Moe
Porcelain & Pottery Restoration by Avis Tomazevic & Dan Dirnbauer
Putting Together a Convention Display by Ron Linde
White Pottery – Utica, New York by Jill Holmes

2004 – VHS Only
Fall & Winter Dump Finds 2003-2004 by Steve Showers
Fort Dodge & the Ties with Western & RW by Greg Steffens
Keynote Speaker by Ray Reiss
Kids View 1
Kids View 2
Kids View 3
New Finds in the RW Stoneware Dump By Dennis Nygaard
Red Wing 101 by Paul Wichert, Carl & Linda Schessler
Red Wing Animals by Ron Linde
Red Wing Jardinieres – Session I by Mike Orgler
Red Wing Jardinieres – Session II by Mike Orgler
Reflections by Stan Bougie
Unlocking the Potential of Your Collection By Byron Gunderson & Larry Peterson

2005- VHS and DVD NOTED
An Overview of Red Wing Dinnerware – Part 1 (DVD) By Terry Moe, Larry Roschen, and John Sagat
An Overview of Red Wing Dinnerware – Part 2 (DVD) By Terry Moe, Larry Roschen, and John Sagat
Chat with Designer Charles Murphy (DVD)
KIDS VIEW
Exotic Animals of Minn. & ND By Con and Sandy Short
Identification of North American Stoneware &Pottery ID By Mark Cellotti (VHS & DVD)
Belle Kogan – Her Life, Career,and designs for Red Wing By Bernie Banet
Pre-1950’s Red Wing Cookie Jars By Kent Williamson
Red Wing Mini Jugs Past, Present, Future By Terry Speedy
Stoneware Miniatures of New Brighton, PA By Dennis Nygaard
The Art of the Potter By Rick Lamore
The History of RWCS Commemoratives 2005 Keynote Address
Weller Pottery By Marie and Mark Latta
What is the Goodhue County History Center By Char Henn
What’s happening at your Museum By Ron Linde & Members of Foundation BOD

2006 – VHS and DVD
Keynote Speaker By Tom Braun
Dinnerware By Terry & Marilyn Moe
Dos and Don’ts of Red Wing Dinnerware By Dennis Cayler & Sally Pavlak
Latest Red Wing Dump Finds By Steve Showers
Pottery Design and Creation By Ephraim Potters
Red Wing 102 By Paul Wichert & Linda Krueger
Red Wing Foundation By Ron Linde, et al
Recent Finds & Discoveries in the Red Wing Dump By Dennis Nygaard & Austin Fjerestad

2007- VHS and DVD
Keynote Speaker Dustin Winterowd on the Kiln Clean up
L3DG3R by Dave Kuffel on the recently discovered Red Wing Pottery Ledger Book
Village Green Dinnerware by Terry Moe and Larry Roschen
Salt-Glazed Red Wing by Rick Natynski
Safely Displaying the Legacy by Bruce Selfridge

2008 (DVD Only)
Keynote Speaker The Pottery Park by Brian Peterson, City of Red Wing
Last Red Wing Production Dinnerware, Ebb Tide by Dennis Cayler
KidsView
Recent Finds & Discoveries in the RW Dump by Dennis Nygaard and Austin Fjerestad
Red Wing Advertising Mugs by Chris Osterholz
Red Wing Pottery District, Then and Now by Leanne Knott

2009 (DVD Only)
Keynote Speaker “Tales of the Road” by author Cathy Wurzer
Dinnerware Overview I & II, 1941-1967 by Terry Moe & Larry Roschen
Gypsy Trail A to Z, I & II by Terry Moe & Larry Roschen

2010 (DVD Only)
Keynote Speaker Jerry Mewhorter, former plant manager at Red Wing Potteries
Dinnerware Paper Production & Advertising by Terry Moe & Larry Roschen
Stoneware Fakes by Larry Birks

2011 (DVD Only)
Keynote Speaker Dr. Ronald Schirmer, primitive Red Wing and Minnesota Pottery
Finding Red Wing through the Media by Ruth Nerhaugen
Salt Glaze Production by Bob Downs
Dinnerware Paper Products & Advertising Part 2 by Terry Moe and Larry Roschen
Recollections of Working at the Pottery by Hannes Kuehn, mold maker
New Brighton, PA Pottery by Dennis Nygaard
Red Wing’s Casual Dinnerware Line by Terry Moe and Larry Roschen

2012 (DVD) Only)
Keynote Speaker Hannes Kuehn, Recollections of Working at the Potteries
2012 Commemorative Production –Chormoline Vase by Melissa Schrock, Maple City Pottery
Dinnerware Mysteries & Reproductions Part 1 & 2 by Terry Moe and Larry Roschen
The Potters & Pottery of New Ulm by Mark Cellotti
Discoveries from Pottery Road by Dennis Nygaard

2013 (DVD) Only)
Keynote Speaker Red Wing Dump Digger Forum: Dennis Nygaard, Steve Showers, Paul Boudin and Connie Mathison
Red Wing Painter Mary Lou Ista
History of Moingona Pottery by Mark Wiseman
Discoveries from Pottery Road by Dennis Nygaard
Life in the Pits by Char Henn

Convention Crock Hunt Begins July 5

nnual Convention Crock Hunt
Friday, July 5 through Saturday July, 13
RULES: The Crock Hunt begins on Friday, July 5. Both Red Wing Collectors Society Members and non-members are eligible to participate in the 2013 RWCS Convention Crock Hunt. Participants must locate each display pictured site during regular business hours to match the business logo and photo. Participants must obtain an employee initials (or other mark chosen by the site) from each site. Winners drawn will have their forms checked to ensure that answers are correct before a prize is awarded. Winners do not need to be present to win.
Completed forms must be brought to the Convention Show and Sale, Saturday, July 13 between 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Participating businesses feature at least one piece of old or new Red Wing pottery in their picture. The business logo win is not be included in the picture. Both the photo and business logo are printed at random on the Crock Hunt form published in the Convention Supplement, for download at ERWCS.org or at selected site location.

Auction Manager releases Convention Auction preview!

From salt glaze to Nokomis, Brushed Ware to advertising, a nice offering of dinnerware and a unique 2 gallon crock (pictured below), collectors of a wide variety of Red Wing’s wares will find something of interest at the RWCS Convention Auction this year.

The Thursday RWCS Auction is coming together with a nice variety of offerings. The photos shown here represent a few of the items that have been submitted. Remember, every piece in this auction has been submitted by a member or a chapter, so by bidding on these items, you are directly showing your support for RWCS members and the Society as a whole.

The Auction Check-in is from noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11 in the Red Wing High School Gymnasium and 8 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 12. The earlier you can be there to submit your piece, the better. Auction viewing will run from 12:15 to 4:15 p.m. Thursday and the event will start at 4:30 p.m.

We hope to see you there! -Bruce Selfridge, RWCS Auction Manager

20 gallon salt glaze with the 4 Rib Cages

Question:

 

Hi,

We have had this 20 gallon crock for a few years. We bought it at an auction in Red Wing during one of the annual conventions.  Please let us know the estimated value of this crock. It is in very good shape.

 

Thanks

 

Sue and Bill

Answer:

Bill & Sue, your 20 gallon with the 4 Rib Cages is a nice piece and still holds a nice value.  $$3500 to $4500.  Al Kohlman

Brusheware Heron vase

Question:

Hello,

I would like to know more about this vase that I have had for many years. I cannot find anything about it on the web so perhaps you are my best source for correct information

Attached are the bottom of the vase mark

the sides are rather rough

the inside is deep green gloss

the measurements are: 4 1/2″ across the opening, and 8″ tall

Thanks

Wanona

Answer: Hi Wanona
we call this the Heron vase, brushedware, from around 1930.  Value is about 80.00 or so.  thanks, steve n rose

10 gallon Red Wing crock

Question:

I was wondering if you could tell me about the age and value of this crock. It was my grandmothers and i recieved after her passing. Thanks

Answer:

Your grandmother’s 10 gallon Red Wing crock was produced between 1915 & 1930.  Value if in perfect condition is around $150.   Al Kohlman