From: gbrueman@mhtc.net
Location: Wisconsin
Date: 12/30/99
Time: 5:13:39 PM
Gary: I have a couple of questions for you about salt glaze stoneware. On beehive jugs, it seems Red Wing has some fairly uniform characteristics such as the handle, the top rim, and the height in relation to the gallonage. If you look at the jug on eBays auction # 227057338, you will see a 4 gallon with a cobalt target, no doubt Red Wing. I have a couple 4 gallon jugs with very similar cobalt markings on them, such as you see there, but the jugs are almost 20" high and more narrow, and the tops dont have that common heavy Red Wing Lip. One of these jugs has an incised letter "A" on the back. I have also seen a 5 gallon salt glaze shoulder jug with these same "Red Wing" markings with an incised letter "H" on the back. They sure look like Red Wing, but are they?? I don't see them in any books. Maybe one of the potters went to a different pottery company and used some of the same cobalt markings?? I'd appreciate any input as to the maker of these two jugs. You have a great site there, we collectors sure enjoy it!! Keep it up. Sincerely, Gerald B.