Monthly Archives: January 2014

Fancy Free line Desert Pattern

Question:

I have 40 pieces. Overall, It appears the set has never been used. Below is a detailed list of each item. 29 pieces have very minor chips, varying from 1-4 chips on sides and backs. 11 pieces are damage free. If you want more information and photos, I have approximately 97 photos of each piece. The photos include the chips, any factory defects and the marked number of the piece.  I really appreciate any help and information you may be able to assist me in knowing what I have in my possession. My Mother passed away in October 2013. The dinnerware was in storage and this is the first I have laid eyes on it. Again thank you for your time.

Suzie

 

Answer:

The cactus-themed pattern you have is called Desert.  It is very popular with collectors and not easy to find. Desert was one of two patterns in the Fancy Free line, the other was Caprice. The Fancy Free patterns were designed by Belle Kogan, a well-known designer from New York who produced many art pottery designs for Red Wing and also a few dinnerware patterns.

Fancy Free plates and bowls featured a rolled rim that was very susceptible to chipping. Pieces in mint condition are scarce. These patterns were introduced in 1952 and were made for only a brief period probably being discontinued in 1953.   They are rather scarce today and are desired by western motif collectors as well as Red Wing Dinnerware collectors.

Unfortunately, damage reduces the value of the items significantly.  Damaged items are usually worth only 50% or less, sometimes much less, than undamaged items.  The prices I have listed for each of the items you show in the picture are for undamaged items and represent only my estimate of the value if the item were undamaged.

The numbers on the back of the items had significance only for the Red Wing Potteries so you may disregard them.

2 – 9 1/3 x 8 1/2 Bowls, mark on the back of the bowl $50.00 to $60.00 each (they were called a Nappy)

5 – 11″ Plates, $100.00 each

1 – 13 1/2 Serving Platter, $60.00 to $90.00

6 – 5 3/4 x 5 1/4 Fruit Bowls, $20.00 to $30.00 each

4 – 6 3/4 x 6 1/4 Bowls, $25.00 to $35.00 each (these were called cereal

bowls)

5 – 6 7/8 x 6 cup saucer (saucer alone $5.00 to $8.00 each)

6 – 7 1/4 x 6 1/2 Plates  $20.00 to $30.00 each

4 – coffee cups $20.00 to $30.00 (cup and saucer combinations each)

1 – sugar bowl w/lid $30.00 to $50.00

1 – creamer bowl  $30.00 to $50.00

1 – gravy bowl $30.00 to $45.00 (it was sold with a tray)

1 – butter dish with lid $60.00 to $90.00

1 – 9 1/4 x 4 serving platter $30.00 to $50.00 (it was called a Pickle Dish)

1 – 11 2/3 x 5 2/3 serving platter $30.00 to $50.00 (it was called a Celery

Dish)

1 – 12 x 6 1/2 divided 3 section serving platter $40.00 to $60.00 (it was called a Relish Dish)

Terry

Red Wing 15 gal crock

Question:

Dear RedWing Collectors,

I would greatly appreciate if you could help me out as to the
antiqueness  of my 15gl crock. If you could help me with an estimate
of the value of my crock and lid as well.

Both the crock and lid  seem to be in very good condition.

Enclosed are 4 pictures of my crock and  lid.

Thank you for your time.

Josie.

 

Answer: Josie, your Red Wing 15 gal crock in perfect condition has a value between $100 & $125.  The lid is not Red Wing  and therefore I have no information on its value.  Al Kohlman

Christmas Tree Stand green

Question:

Good morning

My wife and I where on a treasure hunt around 25 years ago when we found this in a basement crawl space. We have seen many with basic glaze and Red Wing markings but have not found one like this. It measures 8 1/2 inches tall and has a 10 inch diameter. I believe I had read years back that Red Wing experimented with green enamel. It does not have any markings on it. Could you please let us know if this is Red Wing and what the value if it would be?

Thank you for the help.

Nick & Lori

Answer:

Yes, the Christmas tree holder was made by the Red Wing Stoneware company.

It was made around 1930.  I have seen some of these with the Red Wing art pottery ink stamp.  I would place the value between $250-300.  Add $50 if it were ink stamped.

Jeff

1012 Vase Magnolia Line

Question:

The pitcher has a blue shiny glaze with pink inside. I would appreciate any information about this piece you could send me. It has #1012 on the bottom.

Answer:

This is part of the Magnolia Line designed by Belle Kogan from around 1941.  Value is about $50.00 in perfect condition with the blue glaze. The more common white (antique ivory) glaze is worth around $40.00 in perfect condition.  thanks, steve n rose

RED WING COLLECTORS SET THEIR SIGHTS ON DES MOINES, FEB. 7-9

RED WING, MN. – Lovers of Red Wing stoneware and pottery will hunt for that next great treasure when they attend the Red Wing Collectors Society’s (RWCS) Annual MidWinter GetTogether in Des Moines from Feb. 7-9.

The RWCS is devoted to those who collect a diverse line of crocks, jugs, churns, dinnerware and art pottery manufactured in Red Wing from the 1880s to 1960s. Hundreds of people from around the country are expected to attend the February event, which will help tie collectors over until the next RWCS National Convention in Red Wing in July. These two events serve as great opportunities for members to buy and sell Red Wing and learn about the history of the potteries that once operated in Red Wing, their diverse production lines and the impact they had on the American pottery industry.

The RWCS has held its winter event in Des Moines for the past 14 years, but in 2015 and 2016 it will be held at the Olympia Resort & Spa in Oconomowoc, Wis. – about 30 minutes west of downtown Milwaukee. So, collectors in and around Iowa are encouraged to take advantage of their close proximity to Des Moines and attend this February before the event moves to Wisconsin.

The MidWinter GetTogether includes a number of other organized activities like a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7. The theme of this year’s event is “Red Wing Hunter’s Paradise”.  Attendees are encouraged to don their blaze orange and camouflage gear to take part in the fun.

Highlighting this year’s event will be a keynote presentation from RWCS Foundation President Dave Hallstrom, who will talk about all the progress that’s been made at the new Red Wing Pottery Museum in Red Wing. Several years in the making, the first phase of renovations is nearly complete and the new museum will have its grand opening in July during the RWCS Convention.

Mark Wiseman will share a historical description of the potteries that were in business in Eldora, IA from 1860 to 1892. Longtime Red Wing Pottery Dump diggers Dennis Nygaard and Steve Showers will hold separate sessions about their experiences and finds over the years and Larry Roschen and Terry Moe will discuss Red Wing’s True China dinnerware line and recent discoveries. The RWCS Foundation Board will also hold Q&A sessions for attendees who want to learn more about the new Red Wing Pottery Museum. In addition, the RWCS KidsView education program will have fun activities that will teach younger collectors about Red Wing’s wares.

Many attendees sell Red Wing wares from their hotel rooms during the MidWinter GetTogether. A formal Show & Sale will run from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 followed by an auction at 6 p.m. – both of which are open to the public. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the RWCS Foundation. Whether you’re new to collecting Red Wing or an experienced collector, there’s something for everyone at the MidWinter GetTogether.

All activities will be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 4800 Merle Hay Road, in Des Moines, Iowa.  For more information on the MidWinter GetTogether, or the annual Red Wing Collectors Society Summer Convention, which is slated for July 10-12 in Red Wing, Minn., log on to www.redwingcollectors.org.

Annual membership in the Red Wing Collectors Society costs only $35 and includes six 16-page full-color newsletters mailed to your home throughout the year. 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 more than 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 membership@redwingcollectors.org or log on to www.redwingcollectors.org. You can also join the RWCS on Facebook and follow it on Twitter at twitter.com/RWpottery.

Photo caption:

Every year, a variety of rare and unexpected treasures show up for sale at the Red Wing Collectors Society’s MidWinter GetTogether. The stoneware and Red Wing Decorator Line art pottery vases in these photos show a sampling of the goodies that were for sale at last year’s affair. This year’s event will occur on the weekend of Feb. 7-9 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Des Moines, IA, with the Show & Sale portion taking place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8.

Rum Rill 705

Question:

Dear Steve and Rose

I’m hoping you can help me with a Rum Rill piece I found today while thrifting.

I’ve searched the web and found a couple like colored and style pieces but not this. When searching the mold number 705 it some sites simply say “missing 705.”

I would greatly appreciate your expertise and any help you can give me.

By the way it is in mint condition.

Warmly,

Jodi

Answer: it is 705, miscellaneous group, circa 1938.  value around 50.00 or so.  thanks, steve n rose

Red Wing 6 gallon salt glazed lazy 8 with quotation marks

Question:

Hello,

I recently purchased an amazing 6 gallon salt glaze redwing.  I have never come across one is such flawless condition and am curious about its value.  There are no chips, cracks, or othe issues.  I have quite a few Redwings in my collection but this is my new favorite.

Thanks in advance,
Kelly

Answer:

Kelly, you have the .  It is a very nice piece and not to easy to find.  In perfect condition $400 to $500.  Al Kohlman

733 Shoe Planter

Question:

I came across what looks like a ceramic slipper/shoe vase with the front of the shoe/slipper having a continuous piece that loops back to the top of the shoe/slipper.

Answer:

This is shape #733 from 1962. It is often called the shoe planter.  Value is around $50.00 in perfect condition.  thanks, steve n rose

Magnolia Tea and Coffee cups

Question:

Hi – I’ve been looking for years for additional coffee cups for my set of Red Wing Magnolia.  I have many tea cups, but only a few of the coffee size.  Are they very rare?  Or do I not have the right name for them?  Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

Richard

 

Answer:

Red Wing literature calls the shallow cups “tea cups” and the deep sided cups “coffee cups”.  The Magnolia pattern is one of many produced in the Concord shape.  Concord was introduced in 1941 with the Lexington and Harvest patterns, and tea cups were among the items available from the beginning.  Over the years new patterns and new pieces were added to the Concord line.  Magnolia was introduced in the late 1940s and was made until 1956.  But the coffee cup was not added to the Concord line until 1954, long after the introduction of Magnolia.  So while the Magnolia pattern was made for nearly 10 years, Magnolia coffee cups were available for only two of those years.  Thus they are considerably more difficult to find than tea cups.  Magnolia coffee cups aren’t really rare, but they certainly qualify as scarce.  Good luck in your search!

 

Larry

164 Vase with Lion in Green

Question:

I’m hoping this reaches you in time.  I love the lion vases that Red Wing produced.  I see in a previous article you valued the vase I have discovered at around $300 if in mint condition.  The vase I have a chance to purchase has no flaws but crazing.  It is also in the light green, 10 inches high.  I was curious what the crazing would do to the value of the piece.

Answer:

The crazing in green is normal.  It won’t change the value.  Thanks, Steve n rose