The 2011 RWCS Commemoratives

Every year the Red Wing Collectors Society produces a members only commemorative for their Convention. The commemorative is always a secret until it is unveiled at the Convention. Well last month the 2011 Commemorative was released – 4 gallon salt glaze churn. It was a hit.

There was even more excitement this year to see what the variations were. Since Bob Morawski became commemorative manager, there have been three versions of the Commemorative made Version “A” is 90% of the total made, version “B” is 9% and version “C” the number to match the Convention anniversary – this year 35. Each year the version are randomly distributed through both Convention Pick Up and Mailed.

Regular – A, B, and C Versions
Version “A”has a lazy 8 target design, version “B” has a butterfly and version”C” has a bird. The Commemoratives are all stamped just like vintage churns. The stamp can appear on the front, back or either side. The stamp resembles a vintage slit oval stamp and reads “RWCS Convention 2011″. The Commemoratives were produced by Maple City Pottery in Monmouth, Illinois. The churns were hand-turned, hand-decorated and glazed with hand-thrown salt.
The churn lid was pressed in a two-piece mold.

The 2011 Special
Commemorative is a transition butter churn. It is decorated with a hand-drawn cobalt leaf and resembles the zinc glaze appearance that the Red Wing Stoneware and Minnesota Stoneware companies introduced when they moved away from the salt glaze process from 1895 to 1900. The Specials are all stamped on the front. There were 18 Special Commemoratives made. They were given out as awards for displays, prizes and various drawings including a new drawing at the Thursday Night Auction. In addition, one was auctioned in the Commemorative Room.

These beautiful pieces were only available to member before and during the Convention. Every wanted to see the other 34 commemoratives? You can see them on the RWCS Commemorative page.

Did you miss out this year? Join the Society now and get ready for the 2012 Convention, when the Society will officially celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Club. I know I am already excited to see what it will be. The Convention will be July 12-14, 2012, Red Wing, MN!