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’s Capistrano. I have dinner plates but also some smaller pieces and serving pieces. I was trying to figure out what pattern the cup and salt and pepper shaker were when I saw a photo of a set of Capistrano that had the same sage-green salt and pepper shaker. So maybe it’s also part of the line? The cup is the one with the weird grey residue that’s making me nervous about all the rest.

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 come across a Red Wing “Party Ware” 13″ salad bowl, marked “100” on bottom, with grey back glaze. Its condition is excellent with no chips, cracks or crazing. I’m trying to get some idea of the scarcity/value of a piece like this. Can you give any suggestions?

Thank you for your help!
Dan

Answer:

A 1949 Party Ware brochure refers to item 100 as the Master Salad Bowl (as opposed to individual salad  bowls).  This large bowl is quite scarce, especially compared to the more common individual salad bowls and plates.  Value for a Master Salad Bowl in mint condition would be $75-100. 

Larry

Question:

Can you tell me the value of my Iris collection. I feel the coffee cups are very hard to find verses the tea cups. What more can you tell me about it.

Answer:

Thank you for the nice photo of your Iris Dinnerware.

Coffee cup: $25-35
Tea cup: $10-12
Teapot w/cover: $60-75
Gravy boat: $25-30
Pitcher: $40-50
Casserole w/cover: $25-35
Platter: $25-35
Butter dish w/cover: $30-40 

All values assume mint condition. Larry

Question:

I recently bought this light brown cream and sugar that looks identical to the dark brown set of village brown/green that I already owned.  These pieces have the same weight, and size of the pieces I already had, and the color of the interior glazes seem identical, but I cannot find any information about a light brown color being used on the outside of these patterns.  Do you have any insight to offer, or are these pieces possibly hobby pieces?

Thanks for your help

Ronald

Answer:

The creamer and sugar bowl with the tan exteriors were made by Red Wing in the Village Green shape. They are from a limited production run that substituted light brown or tan color in place of the dark brown found on Village Green items. No company documentation has been found and the official name of this design (if any) is unknown. Collectors refer to it as Wheat or Sand. An interview with a former Red Wing Potteries employee published in the RWCS Newsletter stated that only a few sets of “Village Wheat” were made. The concept was dropped due to lack of interest was never put into full production. Known items made with Wheat colors include 4 and 10 cup pitchers, teapot, salt & pepper shakers, creamer & sugar bowl, 6” salad bowl, large salad bowl, beverage mug, beverage server (coffee pot), handled marmite, casseroles, divided vegetable dish and large warmer stand. The interview also mentioned that 4 or 5 Wheat water coolers were made but to my knowledge none have been found.

I would estimate the value of this Wheat creamer and covered sugar bowl to be $50 to $75 each if they are in mint condition.

Larry