Question

I found this piece pictured below.  I looked on several sites online and did not see anything like it.  I was wondering if anyone in your organization would have any knowledge of what it is.  The lid fits loosely on the bottom with no openings.  On the bottom side it says Red Wing Pottery Patent pending.  Any information you have would be helpful.

Thanks for your time,
Doug

Answer

The item in the photo is an orange ”Streamlined” Covered Ice Box Jug. In 1940 Red Wing introduced several items under the ”Streamlined” banner as part of the company’s rapidly expanding Gypsy Trail Hostess Ware line. Each piece in the Streamlined group had a design on each side that consisted of three raised ovals of decreasing size on top of each other. The items were a 64 oz water jug, covered ice box jug, 8″ and 9″ covered casseroles, and 2 cup and 5 cup covered teapots. The water jug had an over-the-top handle and was the only Streamlined item that did not have a cover. By June 1942 the water jug was the only remaining Streamlined item in the catalog and by 1944 it too had been discontinued. In later years the pitcher was listed as “Modern” rather than Streamlined. Streamlined items were available several colors including yellow, blue, turquoise, orange, pink, green and cream ivory.

All of the Streamlined items I’ve seen are bottom marked with same “Design Pat. Pending” wording along with the copyright symbol.  Most likely a patent was eventually issued but I am not certain of that, nor do I know the assigned patent number. Value for a orange Streamlined Covered Ice Box Jug in excellent condition would be in the $75-100 range.  It’s a difficult piece to find, especially complete with the cover.

Larry

Question

Hello:

I recently purchased a Bob White teapot at an auction. It is in perfect condition and it came with the copper warming stand. I am wondering if the copper warming stand is indeed made out of copper? I tried to clean the copper stand using vinegar and salt, as I use on other copper items I have, and it did nothing. The copper warming stand is blotchy looking – tarnished. Is there a way to clean this? I am also missing the copper cup which sits in the holder.  The tea pot says “Red Wing, USA on the bottom and I don’t see any markings on the warmer. I paid $55.00 for the set at the auction, which I thought was a fair price as I really wanted the tea pot and the warmer was a bonus.  Thank you very much,  Kathleen Fiske

Answer

Red Wing Potteries made the Bob White teapot but they did not make the copper-colored stands. The stands and other metallic accessories were made for Red Wing by a metal works company.  These stands were not made of solid copper.  A magnet will stick to the stand, proving the primary metal is steel or iron covered by a thin copper-colored coating.

I am not aware of a cleaning method that would remove the blotchy appearance because the blotches represent damage to the coating. I would be wary of trying an abrasive cleaner because it will remove more of the thin copper coating.  A fresh layer of the copper-colored coating would be required, and the expense would likely be cost-prohibitive.  The $55 you paid for the teapot and stand is a very fair price if the teapot is in undamaged condition.

Larry