Show & Tell Friday

I try to visit the local Goodwill store each week, and always take some time to look through the plates and glasses. Most of our wine glasses were purchased there - they sometimes get really good stuff. Such was the case last week when I found these:There are dinner plates, two sizes of smaller plates, two sizes of bowls, a stack of cup saucers, a serving bowl, a gravy boat, and a small pitcher.
I liked the neutrality of the colors, and they looked like a good fit for Autumn. Plus they have kind of a funky shape, and there were several pieces, so almost-complete place settings could be made.
Then I looked at the back:
Yep, Red Wing made dinnerware in the 50's and 60's. This particular pattern is "Random Harvest" and was produced in 1955. Each piece I have is numbered.

Red Wing crocks are highly collectible, in this area at least, so I had an inkling that they might be valuable. I did some research and figured out that my $42 box of near-perfect dinnerware is worth several hundred dollars. I was very excited that they are antique and collectible, but I bought them because I liked the style and pattern. So we use them.I feel that true value is in the memories made, so by using them, I'm adding our memories to their history. That makes them more valuable to me, and hopefully to my family.

I wish I knew about the family who used them before - were they a wedding gift? Everyday dishes, or kept for good? Did the owner pass away, or were they downsizing? Did none of their family want them, or weren't they offered? Those questions will never be answered, but that's okay. I will just use and enjoy them, and pass them on.

Go see what everyone else has shared at Kelli's!