Red Wing Pottery Value & Price Guide

Red Wing pottery represents a cornerstone of American ceramic history, originating from the clay-rich banks of the Mississippi River in Minnesota. Collectors prize these pieces for their durability, iconic wing logos, and the transition from functional stoneware crocks to elegant mid-century art pottery.

Price Range: $115 - $125 based on recent sales

History of Red Wing Pottery

The Red Wing story began in the late 1860s when German immigrant John Pohl discovered high-quality clay deposits in Goodhue County, Minnesota. This led to the formation of several competing firms, including the Red Wing Stoneware Company and the Minnesota Stoneware Company, which eventually merged in 1906 to form the Red Wing Union Stoneware Company. Initially, the output was strictly utilitarian, producing the massive crocks, churns, and water coolers essential for pioneer life and agriculture. As the 20th century progressed and refrigeration reduced the need for large stoneware, the company pivoted toward art pottery and colorful dinnerware. Under the guidance of designers like Belle Kogan and Charles Murphy, Red Wing became a household name for stylish mid-century ceramics. Despite its massive success, the factory closed its doors in 1967 following a lengthy labor strike, cementing the vintage pieces as finite collectibles for enthusiasts worldwide.

Value Factors for Red Wing Pottery

The typical price range for Red Wing Pottery is $115 - $125 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Rarity of the decoration, specifically hand-painted cobalt designs like birds, elephants, or targets found on early salt-glazed pieces.
• The presence and condition of original advertising stamps, which link the pottery to specific historical general stores or creameries.
• Size and capacity of stoneware; while 20-gallon crocks are impressive, rare miniature salesman samples often command much higher prices due to their scarcity.
• The era of production, with 19th-century salt-glazed items generally holding higher value than mass-produced mid-century art pottery.

Tips for Buying Red Wing Pottery

• Verify the size of the red wing logo, as collectors often pay a premium for the larger 4-inch or 6-inch wings compared to smaller versions.
• Inspect the clarity of the cobalt blue stamps and hand-drawn decorations like 'bee stings' or 'birch leaves' which significantly impact desirability.
• Check for hairline cracks and 'pings' by gently tapping the ceramic; structural integrity is vital for high-value stoneware like water coolers and large crocks.
• Look for specific patterns in dinnerware, such as the popular Bob White or Lotus lines, ensuring lids and accessories are original to the piece.

Items in This Collection

• Red Wing Art Pottery Vase
• Red Wing Birch Leaf Crock
• Red Wing Console Bowl
• Red Wing Stone Mason Fruit Jar
• Red Wing Bob White Cookie Jar
• Red Wing Bee Sting Crock
• Red Wing Pottery Teapot
• Red Wing 20 Gallon Crock
• Red Wing "Chef Pierre" Cookie Jar
• Red Wing Union Stoneware Crock
• Red Wing 5 Gallon Water Cooler
• Red Wing Union Stoneware 6 Gallon Crock
• Red Wing 5 Gallon Crock
• Red Wing Stoneware Jug
• Red Wing 15 Gallon Crock
• Red Wing Ko-Rec Feeder
• Red Wing Advertising Bean Pot
• Red Wing Beater Jar
• Red Wing Pottery Vase
• Red Wing Stoneware Bowl