How to Start a Red Wing Dinnerware Collection

Pottery and/or antique collectors who want to expand their interest should consider starting a collection of Red Wing Dinnerware. Red Wing Potteries made nearly 100 patterns of beautiful dinnerware patterns between 1935 and 1967. Red Wing Dinnerware had its heyday in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, and many were hand-painted patterns that in many respects were and are beautiful art. When the company went out of business in 1967, Red Wing was the only commercial pottery manufacturer in the U.S. still hand-painting dinnerware.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   The Bob White pattern, Red Wing's most popular.

   1. Appreciate the reasons why people collect Red Wing Dinnerware – to display, to use the dishes, as a long-term financial investment, and as a means of passing on the history of Red Wing and its dinnerware to future generations.

2. 
    
   The Pepe dinnerware pattern which appeared in the movie,

   2. Decide which pattern you are going to collect and educate yourself on what’s available. A good book on the subject is “Red Wing Dinnerware: Price and Identification Guide” by Ray Reiss. Certain patterns are scare, others such as the popular Bob White and Pepe patterns abound. Before you start collecting it’s wise to determine not only what pattern you like, but the availability.

3. 3. Monitor the dinnerware market and become familiar with current economic conditions and prices. Now is a great time to buy pieces, not so much if you’re looking to sell a collection.

4. 
    
   Women hand-paint a Red Wing dinnerware pattern.

   4. Invest financially in the pattern you’ve decided to collect.

5. 
    
   A plate from the Roundup pattern, one of the more difficult to find.

   5. Search for hard to come by pieces such as the Bob White oil and vinegar set or the Delta Blue watercooler. Good places to hunt include estate auctions and the Red Wing Pottery auctions that take place during the annual convention in Red Wing, MN each July. Auctions that take place on eBay are another option.

6. 6. Look for Red Wing dinnerware from your past. You would be surprised how many people either are still using Red Wing their dinnerware or know of someone with a set packed away in the attic. Those connections are definitely worth investigating.

7. 
    
   A beautiful Tampico patterned watercooler.

   7. Enjoy yourself!

Tips & Warnings

• Many pieces of Red Wing dinnerware are stamped "Red Wing" but not all.
• It's a good idea to be familiar with all the patterns as some sellers will mark dinnerware as Red Wing when clearly it is not.