Our Hopeful Home: Thrill of the Hunt #74: Vintage Red Wing Creamer

July 30, 2018

Today I'm sharing my latest thrifty finds. So come along and let's explore, shall we?

Welcome, friends, to another fun-filled Thrill of the Hunt post where I share my latest thrifty (and usually) vintage finds with you. My hope is that by sharing my thrifty finds I can motivate and inspire you to explore your own local thrift stores, estate sales, flea markets and barn sales and make your own fabulous finds for yourself. So let's get started.

Are you a fan of vintage Fiestaware? I am. But I recently stumbled across a similarly cheerful vintage pottery line that I am now officially obsessed with: Red Wing pottery. All great collections start with just one special piece. And here's mine.

It all began quite innocently, on the lower western coast of Michigan along the lake. And by lake I mean -- where else?-- Lake Michigan. My daughter and I were passing through on our way home from a college visit road trip when I spotted it. Even from way across the room my heart skipped a beat when I saw it. Most things I had liked up to that point had been super expensive, but this was all of $3.00! I could not contain my joy.

sea foam green Red Wing pottery creamer vase

After all, it was sea foam green and quite dainty. At a mere 5 x 3 x 2 inches it was quite adorable and well worth bringing home. I could see a few small imperfections, but knowing that it was a vintage piece I would have been surprised if there had been no flaws.

Plus I knew right away that I would use it for a vase and that those imperfections would be camouflaged by the blooms. So of course I had to put my summer hydrangeas to work.

Creamer Fondoso pattern Gypsy line Red WIng creamer

I think the combination of pink and green is super pretty.

chippy corbel bookends deconstructed books green creamer pink hydrangeas

green demi john bottle decorative bead garland green creamer

After doing a little digging I found out that this is a Red Wing creamer of the Gypsy Trail line. The pattern is called Fondoso. It has a raised art deco leaf design. The pattern was designed by Belle Kogan and was in production from 1939 until 1942. So at its youngest, this creamer is 76 years old!

Unlike some of the other Red Wing designs, the Fondoso design was copyrighted, as can be seen by the copyright symbol here.

art deco leaf design green Red Wing pottery vase

art deco creamer leaf pattern Fondoso Red Wing pink hydrangeas

For my taste and purposes it's absolutely perfect. If not for the flaws it would be worth $25.00 to $35.00. It also comes in larger sizes and different colors. The largest pitcher in this line seems to be worth about $50.00. According to one website, the Fondoso creamer is of average availability, while it is of above-average interest to collectors.

Well, that's it until next time, friends!

I hope you enjoyed reading about Thrill of the Hunt #74 and learning a bit about Red Wing pottery's Fondoso pattern and Gypsy Trail line!

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