Question:

Hi,

Can you tell me anything about these plates and the value of the set of three?  They are 8″ across and 10″ at the handles.  The only marks are “Red Wing USA”.  Two are in great condition with factory flaws in glaze?  The third has the same discolorization and a small chip on the rim.  Thanks.

Richard

Answer:

The items in the photos were sold as Village Green casserole stands, although they could certainly be used as plates.  Stands were made in 8, 10 and 12 inch sizes to hold 1, 2 and 4 quart Village Green casseroles.   Value for these 8 inch stands would be $25-30 each in mint condition.  Damage or manufacturing flaws will reduce the value by 25-75% depending on the extent and visibility of the flaw. 

Larry

Question:

Hi, I just got some Red Wing dinnerware (not sure what pattern, stamped Red Wing 120) from my mother. How do I know if it’s safe to eat off of? Do these have incredibly high lead content? Love the look of it. Just not sure it’s safe.

It came with a coffee cup and salt and pepper set in a different pattern, a sort of basket weave that has some weird grey staining inside, which looks like a red flag telling me not to eat or drink anything from it.

Thanks!

Marla

Answer:

I am not an expert on the chemical composition of Red Wing dinnerware but it’s my understanding most Red Wing glazes contained lead.  Intact pieces with no chips, cracks or stains should be safe to use.  Damage, including tiny surface cracks or crazing, indicates the glaze is not intact and chemicals could potentially leak out.  Avoid using damaged pieces to serve food.

Larry

Question:

Hello.  I’ve just received some plates & bowls that are redwing capistrano.  They are an unusual “retro” style.  I really like them, and I plan to use them.  Can they go into the microwave?  Can they go into the dishwasher?

Thanks for your help!

Linda

Answer:

Can Capistrano dinnerware be safely used with microwaves and dishwashers?  The best answer I can give is “probably”. Over the years nearly all of Red Wing’s promotional literature for their dinnerware states it is “Oven Proof”. In the late 1950s “Detergent Safe” was added to the brochures. But dishwashers and microwaves were not common household appliances at this time, and the brochures do not mention using Red Wing dinnerware in them. I’m not aware of any organized effort to study this issue, so trial and error is the only real way to verify whether or not your dishes can safely be used in these appliances.

While I have no experience with Capistrano or its sister patterns in the dishwasher, my family did routinely wash a later pattern (Charstone Bleu) in our dishwasher for nearly 20 years with no ill effect. If the dishes are intact — no chips or cracks — they should be safe to use in a dishwasher. You might want to run one or two pieces through the wash cycle a couple of times as a test before trying it with the full set. You might also want to consider buying a couple of inexpensive pieces for such a test.

I really can’t recommend using Capistrano dinnerware in a microwave.  Keep in mind these dishes are 50 to 60 years old.  They probably have normal wear and tear from years of use.  Plates and bowls likely have tiny scratches in the surface of the glaze. If the dishes have been stored away unused for all these years then perhaps it would be OK.  But even so it’s worth remembering that Capistrano was not made to “microwave safe” standards since they didn’t exist at the time. In my opinion it would be better to use a modern dish to heat the food in the microwave, then transfer the food to your Capistrano dishes before serving.

Larry