Question:
I am looking for an approximate value of the Red Wing dinnerware set- "Lotus Concord"- that was my grandmother’s. The following items are in the set:

1 Large Serving Platter
4 Large Serving Bowls
1 Relish Tray
1 Small Serving Tray
1 Small divided Tray
2 Serving bowls with lids
1 Butter dish
1 Sugar Bowl
1 Creamer
1 Coffee pot
1 Milk pitcher
1 Gravy boat
1 Small salt & pepper shaker
18 coffee cups with saucers
16 luncheon plates
16 bread plates
13 dinner plates
8 dessert plates
12 soup bowls
13 vegetable bowls

All of the dishes are in good shape, some of the plates have that "cracked" look. And I accidentally broke one of the handles off of one of the serving bowls w/lid, while washing it. That was when my aunt asked me if I ever looked into how much the dishes were worth. I said if you can’t use them, what is the point of having them. She suggested that I not use them until I find out, she thought I would be surprised since they are Red Wing.

Thanks for your help!

Answer:
Kris, Lotus is a very collectible pattern, although supply seems to be higher than the demand for the more common pieces in the pattern. You have a lot of the common pieces (cups, saucers, plates, bowls) and the numbers don’t match up. Essentially you have a service for 12 with numerous extra serving pieces along with quite a few accessory pieces.

You did not mention the color of your accessory pieces. They were made in chartreuse, gray or metallic brown (commonly called bronze or gunmetal). The values aren’t much different but a potential buyer well likely have a preference for one color over the others.

You describe the dishes as being in "good shape". Does that mean nearly perfect condition with no chips, nicks, cracks, hairlines or stains? Or does that mean good but used condition with a few of the usual chips and nicks that tend to occur with use? Collectors are looking for pieces in mint condition; even slight damage on a common pattern like Lotus will reduce the value significantly. The "cracked look" is called crazing, and most collectors will also reduce the value for crazed pieces.

Assuming near mint condition, I’d estimate the value of your set at $400 to $600. This may be a bit high because of the large number of common pieces included with your set. Buyers may not be willing to pay top dollar for so many extra common pieces. Again, damage will reduce this value.

Larry

Question:
I have a creamer& sugar(w/lid) set in the Capistrano pattern, EXCEPT this set is in a rust or a clay? color – the lid is the same as the green set. Could you please tell me something about it? So far, it must be "one of a kind"!!?? Also, I have two coffee cups in white/cream that I’ve not seen elsewhere – the Capistrano pattern. Thanks for any info you can supply!! Penny

Answer:
Penny, Without a photo it’s impossible to accurately assess pieces in non- production colors. Capistrano was one of six patterns made in Red Wing’s Anniversary shape. Production colors for Anniversary accessory pieces were Sage green, gray, white, black, Dawn pink, Shell pink, and turquoise. None of these could be mistaken for rust. Your rust colored pieces might be rare and unusual Red Wing test pieces. More likely they are post- production "hobby shop" pieces made from old Red Wing molds. Or maybe they are unglazed bisque pieces. Or they might be items from some other manufacturer that were "married" with your set because they fit well. It isn’t possible make a determination without a photo.

White cups in the Annversary shape were a standard production item, usually associated with the Tweed Tex pattern. Thanks Larry

Question:
I bought a box of misc old kitchen items from an auction and in this box was a small blue, possibly turquiose colored piece. It is two handled and about the size of a toothpick holder. The top is slightly wider than the bottom. It stands about 1 1/2 inches high and approx 2 1/2 inches wide. The marking on the bottom simply says Red Wing. It has a simple design across the front bottom. I do not have a picture but I attached a word doc drawing to give you an idea. Would you know what it is and i’s value if any? Thank you. Debbie

Answer:
Debbie, Your little bowl appears to be the sugar bowl from the Gypsy Trail Plain snack creamer and sugar set. This piece was made in both blue and turquoise, as well as several other colors. It’s a cute but rather common item. This set was made by Red Wing in the late 1930s and into the early 1940s. In excellent condition the sugar by itself would be worth about $10, perhaps $15 if the color is blue rather than turquoise. Thanks Larry