Red Wing Pottery makes items that are meant to be practical but have become collectable. Red Wing Collectors are some of the most avid collectors I have ever come across. They will travel as far as it takes and pay whatever the price to get that special piece needed for their collection. Today Red Wing collectors use the pottery for storage, end tables,

trash cans, toy boxes, etc.

The factory was founded in Minnesota in 1878 and started to make art pottery in the 1920's. Some of the pottery commands a high price, but it is their crocks, water coolers, and everyday pieces bring the real money.

I have been collecting Red Wing for a few years and have a collection that includes chicken feeders, sponge ware and crocs. My favorite items to collect are the advertising pieces and I have been looking for a Red Wing advertising piece from my home town of Newton, IA for years. That piece would be priceless to me.

The Red Wing Stoneware Encyclopedia by Dan DePasquale and Larry Peterson is an excellent resource that will be published in 2010. The small Red Wing Collectibles and Stoneware books in paperback are also worth owning.

It’s important to note that the pieces are marked with different types of red wings or stenciled leaves such as birch leaves or elephant ears and flowers and some of these markings are on the bottom. In addition to markings they have different glazes. The salt glaze was produced from 1877 to the late 1890s then it was replaced by the much more common "white ware" pottery.

Some of the more sought after pieces are:

o A 15 gallon Beehive Jug with advertisement – estimated worth $5000
o A small brown bulldog – estimated worth $2000
o A croc with unusual or rare markings can bring in excess of $1,000

I think you can see that it may be worth your while to keep your eyes peeled for Red Wing and if you find that Newton, Iowa advertising piece, be sure to give me a call.

Ken Landgrebe
Des Moines Brass Armadillo Antique Mall
http://brassarmadillo.com