Monthly Archives: March 2012

Red Wing Elks Club Donates their supply of Red Wing Restaurant Ware to the Red Wing Collectors Society’s KidsView Program.

RED WING – In November 2011 the Red Wing Collectors Society’s storage unit was found burglarized and more than 100 pieces of Red Wing blank dinnerware were taken. Thanks to the perseverance of RWCS Executive Director, Stacy Wegner, and help from the Red Wing Police Department, more than 100 pieces were return to the RWCS in December 2011.

The blank plates are used for the annual “Paint your Plate” event in which more than 100 kids get the opportunity to paint on a real Red Wing plate at the RWCS Annual Convention in Red Wing, MN. The KidsView program was started in 1999, offering free education and activities sharing Red Wing, MN pottery history.

Long time RWCS and Elk’s member Steve Vagasky (left) coordinated donation of over 200 pieces of Red Wing Pottery restaurant from the Red Wing Elk’s Club to the RWCS. The donation was given by Exulted Leader Stephanie Riegelman (right) to RWCS executive director Stacy Wegner (center).

When long-time Red Wing Elks member and RWCS member Steve Vagasky heard of the burglary, he remembered seeing some old pottery dinnerware in storage at the Elks that was no longer being used and thought the Society’s kids program would be the perfect home for these items. Vagasky contacted both organizations and arranged the donation.

“I was so excited to notify Sue Jones Tagliapietra and her co-chair Aarika Floyd about the donation.” Wegner said. 

“This generous donation by the Red Wing Elks Club will guarantee that we will be able to continue the KidsView ‘Paint Your Plate’ Program for years to come,” said Tagliapietra.

Like other Elks Lodges across the country, the Red Wing Elks Lodge’s mission is to support the needs of children and veterans. In addition to assisting with projects like this, the Red Wing Elks Lodge helps improve the lives of youth in our area through programs like their scholarships, dictionary project for 3rd graders, hoop shoot, soccer shoot, drug awareness literature, children’s holiday parties, Christmas family project, Christmas food baskets, sending 17 deserving kids to for a week-long camp each summer and much, much more.

The RWCS Convention will be held in Red Wing, MN this summer from July 12-14 and will celebrate the club’s 35th Anniversary. For more information or to become a member, call the RWCS business office at 800-977-7927, e-mail membership@redwingcollectors.org or log on to www.redwingcollectors.org. You can also find the RWCS on Facebook or follow the club on Twitter @RWPottery.

5, 3, and 2 gallon Elephant Ear, 4 gallon Red Wing, and 3 gallon jug

Question:

I am wondering what the value is on some of these pieces I have. I appreciate your quick response.  Thank you.

The 5 Gallon Elephant Ear is in black ink and the front is stamped Union – Stoneware Co. – Red Wing, Minn. – it is also stamped on the bottom of the crock – it says, Minnesota Stoneware Co Red Wing – it is in very good condition.

The 3 Gallon Elephant Ear is in black ink and the front is stamped Union – Stoneware Co. – Red Wing, Minn. – it is also stamped on the bottom of the crock – it says, Minnesota Stoneware Co Red Wing – it is in very good condition. I also have a 3 Gallon Elephant Ear  (not pictured) with all the same front and bottom markings but it is in blue ink.

The 3 Gallon Jug’s number is in blue ink and has no other markings – it has a chip on the rim but the rest of the jug is in good condition.  I do not know much about this particular piece but thought it unusual.

The 2 Gallon Elephant Ear is in blue ink and the front is stamped Union – Stoneware  Co. – Red Wing, Minn. – it is stamped on the bottom of the crock – it says, Minnesota Stoneware Co Red Wing – it also is in very good condition.  I also have another 2 Gallon Elephant ear (not pictured) with all the same front and bottom markings but is in black ink.

And last but not least…a 4 Gallon crock with the red wing and is front stamped Red Wing – Union Stoneware Co – Red Wing, Minn – it is in very good condition although it seems to have a faded look to it where the numbers, wing, and front stamp are not as pronounced on the crock.

Thank you so much for your opinions on these pieces.  Kim

Answer:

The 5 Gallon Elephant Ear is in black ink and the front is stamped Union – Stoneware Co. – Red Wing, Minn. – it is also stamped on the bottom of the crock – it says, Minnesota Stoneware Co Red Wing – it is in very good condition.  Value $225 to $250

The 3 Gallon Elephant Ear is in black ink and the front is stamped Union – Stoneware Co. – Red Wing, Minn. – it is also stamped on the bottom of the crock – it says, Minnesota Stoneware Co Red Wing – it is in very good condition. I also have a 3 Gallon Elephant Ear  (not pictured) with all the same front and bottom markings but it is in blue ink.  Value $125 to $140

The 3 Gallon Jug’s number is in blue ink and has no other markings – it has a chip on the rim but the rest of the jug is in good condition.  I do not know much about this particular piece but thought it unusual.  Value with the chip and no decoration is $75 to $100

The 2 Gallon Elephant Ear is in blue ink and the front is stamped Union – Stoneware  Co. – Red Wing, Minn. – it is stamped on the bottom of the crock – it says, Minnesota Stoneware Co Red Wing – it also is in very good condition.  I also have another 2 Gallon Elephant ear (not pictured) with all the same front and bottom markings but is in black ink.  Value $100 to $125

4 Gallon crock with the red wing and is front stamped Red Wing – Union Stoneware Co – Red Wing, Minn – it is in very good condition although it seems to have a faded look to it where the numbers, wing, and front stamp are not as pronounced on the crock.  Value $75 to $90

Al

Jolly Jars Sierra design

Question:

We just found a covered jar marked “Red Wing U.S.A. 725-L” at the bottom.  The lid has the number 725.  Where can we find out more information about the piece?

Thank you,

Dennis

Answer:

The item in the photo is a large Jolly Jar.  In 1960 Red Wing introduced three sets of Jolly Jars, each set with a different design.  Each set featured jars in three sizes (small, medium and large).  The names of the three designs were Sweet Shop, Mosaic and Sierra.  The jar in the photo is from the Sierra design and is the large size.  The L after the mold number indicates Large; the other two sizes logically included a S or an M after the number. 

Jolly Jars aren’t part of any dinnerware pattern, and they aren’t really art pottery either.  They were promoted in a brochure titled “Giftware and Novelty Items”, so that is how they are categorized by most collectors.  Value for a Jolly Jar in excellent, undamaged condition is $40-50. 

Larry

Red Wing Luster Blue Vase

Question:

Hello

Was wondering if you could give me a little more info on this vase.  It stands a little over 7 and 3/4″ high and measures 16 – 1/4″ at widest circumference.

Outside blue inside pinkish. Reads Red Wing on bottom. But can not make out other inprint.

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

J & P

Answer: Hello
thanks for the pics, most helpful.  this was designed in 1942, I think the glaze is lusterblue/with pink.  value is around 30.00 or so.  thanks, steve n rose

RWCS to Elect New Managers at 2012 Convention

Election info

There are three positions up for election on the RWCS Board of Directors in 2012. After serving as Auction Manager for four years, Todd Avery has decided not to run for re-election. We thank him for his service – he has been a pleasure to work with. RWCS Member Bruce Selfridge is looking to take over the role and is running unopposed. Incumbents Glenn Beall and Bob Morawski are seeking another term for the respective positions of Education Manager and Commemorative Manager. They are also running unopposed. Balloting will be by mail in accordance with RWCS by-law Article V, Nominating Committee and Voting Procedure. Ballots will be mailed with the April RWCS Newsletter to all primary members in good standing and must be received by the RWCS Business Office no later than June 30, 2012. Associate members must request a ballot by contacting the RWCS Business Office.

Bruce Selfridge

Candidate, RWCS Auction Manager

Hello, my name is Bruce Selfridge and I am seeking the position of RWCS Auction Manager. My wife, Carmen, and I have been members of the RWCS Golden State Chapter of the since 1990; I am currently the chapter vice president. I have volunteered since 2010 at the RWCS Auction and I have made several educational presentations at our July Conventions. My wife has been very active with the Red Wing Collectors Society Foundation and is currently on the Foundation Board.

I am very excited about the opportunity to serve as Auction Manager. Todd Avery has done a great job during very challenging times. The RWCS Auction is in competition with several other auctions in Red Wing during Convention Week, as well as internet sales such as eBay. It is going to be a challenge to get our auction to be the place to get that “special” item for your collection. The RWCS Auction should continue to be a major part of our Convention.

I am a retired Fire Captain of the Town of Ross Fire Department in California, where I worked for 37 years. I have been involved in several non-profit groups. I am currently active in two organizations. I am a staff member of Kinetic Steam Works, a non-profit group of steam power enthusiasts. I’m also a member of the local chapter of the Early Days Gas Engine and Tractor Association as a past director and newsletter eitor for several years.

With your help and ideas, I am looking forward to being your Auction Manager and working with the RWCS Board of Directors.

Glenn Beall

Incumbent, RWCS Education Manager

I started collecting Red Wing one cold day at an auction more than 20 years ago. The last item on the auction was a 25 gallon wing crock. Since my wife, Julie, thought the piece was “neat” I started coming home with more and more crocks. The stoneware collecting eventually led into art pottery thanks to another auction find, and that ended up leading into dinnerware. So now we collect everything. I joined the Red Wing Collectors Society in 1989. My four daughters are usually at Convention, too. The oldest, Laura, is active at Convention with the Display Room and KidsView, as well as the Siouxland Redwingers Chapter. The youngest, Elizabeth, is a member of the Trails West chapter. Amy and Catherine are usually helping out somewhere around Convention wherever they’re needed.

In 1997, I joined the Nebraska Redwingers as a charter member. When a move to South Dakota became necessary, I missed the chapter feeling. A few months later, a few other collectors and I started the Siouxland Redwingers, which was chartered at the July 2000 RWCS Convention. I’m still president of that chapter.

In 2003, my family and I took on the Display Room at Convention and have been doing that ever since. If you’ve gone to a MidWinter GetTogether or a Convention, you’ve probably seen me running around there at some point. I have enjoyed working to bring you new sessions and would enjoy one more term as Education Manager. With your input and help, we can continue the fine sessions we have enjoyed so far.

Bob Morawski

Incumbent, RWCS Commemorative Manager

My passion for Red Wing started in 1998, when I bought my first piece of stoneware. I joined the RWCS later that year and have attended all of the Conventions since 1999 and most of the MidWinter GetTogethers.

I like to collect stoneware with Milwaukee advertising. I also have many “oddity” pieces that are either missing ovals or wings, have extra wings or ovals, or have upside down stamps. When my grandma moved out of her house, I noticed she had six pieces of Pepe dinnerware. Since then I have built the set up to more than 100 pieces. I also have a large collection of Red Wing signed sewer pipe and I’m working on putting together a complete set of Special Commemoratives. (I am especially looking for a 1982 Special Commemorative.) I also enjoy digging in the Red Wing dump.

I am working with a strong core group of people and we have formed the new Badger Chapter, Wisconsin’s second chapter. We welcome new members. I have also chaired and now sit on the RWCS Membership Committee.

I have worked with the Commemoratives for the past six years; I’ve been the manager for the past four. I introduced the three version “A, B and C” concept to help reenergize the Commemorative and get people excited about them again; this has worked well. I will continue to push the envelope not only with the Commemoratives, but in all areas concerning the RWCS to help keep the club and membership healthy for future generations to enjoy our passion. Thanks for your support in the past and future!

Anderson Center Offers Session on Gas Kiln Firing

“Learn the Art of Gas Kiln Firing”

Anderson Center Weekend Retreat with Richard Spiller

April 7, 8 & 14, 2012

Saturday, April 7
10 a.m. – Orientation, glaze, load and start firing
6 p.m. – Potluck dinner, lecture and discussion

Sunday, April 8
5 a.m. – Continue firing to 2,350°F

Saturday, April 14
10 a.m. – Unbrick and unload kiln

Overnight guests: $135-$180
Day students: $100

Richard Spiller has been a practicing potter and ceramic artist for nearly 50 years. His expertise includes kiln building with firing experience from corn cob raku to a Tozan Noborigama and firing to cone 10 reduction. 

For more information and registration, please contact the Anderson Center: 651-388-2009 or info@andersoncenter.org or more information on their website.

Collection of 23 crocks

Question: Hi,

I have 23 pieces of Red Wing Stoneware that I hope you guys could value for me.

15 gallon Crock with a 4.25 inch red wing w/ spigot.
12 gallon crock with 5 inch tall birch leaves
20 gallon crock w/ 5 inch redwing
12 gallon crock w/ 4 inch redwing
2 gallon crock w/ 4.25 inch redwing
3 gallon crock w/ 4.25 inch redwing
6 gallon crock w/ 4.5 inch redwing
5 gallon crock w/ 4.5 inch redwing
10 gallon crock w/ 6 inch redwing
5 gallon imperial-salt glazed
5 gallone beehive
5 gallon jug w/ 2.25 inch wing
5 gallon jug w/ 4 inch wing
3 gallon jug w/ 4 inch wing
5 gallon butter churn w/ 4.25 inch wing
Red Wing Feeder
Red Wing #5 Bean Pot, unsigned
Red Wing blank small jug
Blank Small Jug- Red Wing Stoneware embossed on the bottom
1 gallon blank Red Wing crock
13 inch diameter Red Wing Bowl
8.5 inch diameter Red Wing bowl
25 gallon crock w/ 5.75 inch wing
I will send them in all separate emails, the attachment will have the corresponding picture with the description. 

Thank you very much for your help,

Keegan

Answer: Keegen,

We combined your emails together in one PDF document. Follow link below to download the list and their values. Al

Listing of pieces.Collection of stoneware crocks

10 gallon crock Red Wing salt glazed butterfly crock

Question:

Hi, I bought this 10 gallon crock at a consignment shop recently for $89, and would like you to help me determine what I have found! I just started collecting Red Wing Stoneware and only been buying the newer Zinc glaze crocks so don’t know much about the older Salt glazed pieces. In looking in my Red Wing Encyclopedia, it appears to be a Salt glazed Cobalt Blue Butterfly pattern crock. Please let me know what you think about the crock and what the value might be. There are no cracks or stains and the glaze is great, there is one small chip on each handle, that’s it! I’m really excited about this find, but would appreciate your expertize! Thanks! 

Fred 

Answer:

Fred’s 10 gallon crock is indeed a Red Wing salt glazed butterfly crock.  With the description stated and the size of the butterfly the value would be $900 to $1000 (unsigned).  What a great find and beautiful piece of Red Wing decorated salt glaze.   Al Kohlman

8 gallon Red Wing and 15 gallon Western

Question:

My mom’s has some stoneware that she is trying to sell for the property taxes.

I attached some photos for you. The Western does have a crack and I took a photo of that too.

 

Thank you again for all your help.

 

Melissa

Answer:

Melissa’s mother’s 8 gallon Red Wing crock with the 6 inch wing would have a value in today’s market at or close to $150 if cleaned up and in perfect condition.  The Western crock with the large crack would have a very low value, maybe $20 or so.  Al Kohlman

If it has no cracks or chips I would say in today’s market the range would be $125-$175 to a collector.

Thanks,
Scott