Red Wing Stoneware Encyclopedia

Review of Red Wing Stoneware Encyclopedia
May 21, 2010
Reviewer: Robert Reed, The Auction Exchange, January 11, 2010

The latest book on distinguished Red Wing Stoneware is an impressive one. Red Wing Stoneware Encyclopedia by Dan DePasquale and Larry Peterson offers an amazing array of products form one of America's finest stoneware manufacturers. Hundreds and hundreds of items are colorfully illustrated along with current values. Red Wing is understandably highly collectible and some of the prices clearly reflect it from the plain salt glaze churns in the one gallon size listing T $250 to $350, to the Red Wing Sucess Filter complete with black stamp and original list at $1,300 to $1,400. As the authors point out the upper Midwest has long been a "Mecca for early stoneware production." Early utilitarian wares were typically the work of smaller potters. which were eventually surpassed by two larger companies, the Western Stoneware Company and the Red Wing Stoneware Company. The second firm is the clear focus of the book. True to its title the volume presents an extensive selection of the 'Cadillac' of stoneware makers. Specific selections of the book include general stoneware, kitchen stoneware, and various jugs. Prolifically presented in the general stoneware chapter are crocks, water coolers, churns, spittoons, chamber pots, and chicken feeders among other items. The kitchen chapter turns to bean pots, butter crocks, bowls, nappies pitchers, mugs, pantry jars, refrigerator jars, and other kitchen-related wares. In the book's introduction the authors make reference to early stoneware collectors who were sometimes content with any piece "as long as it was it was signed." They report now "new collectors have done their homework and seem to target specific, high quality items for their collection. For example, advertising ware, salt glaze items, and rare hard to find items are hard to find."

Review of Red Wing Stoneware Encyclopedia
March 9, 2010
Reviewer: Antiques & Collecting Magazine, December, 2009

Dan DePasquale and Larry Peterson provide a history of the Red Wing companies and identify the many unique stoneware items produced by them. Photographs include hundreds of items, many of which have never been seen in any book. For example, blue/white kitchen ware, churns, advertising pieces, and the Big Boy jugs. Additionally, there are special sections of salt glaze water coolers, pitchers, and double stamp pieces. Red Wing Stoneware Encyclopedia is a special book that will serve as an indispensable guide for identification and dating information. Both beginning and experienced collectors will find this book a valuable resource and a must-have addition to their library.