The Rare Centuries-Old Decor Piece You Should Look For When Thrifting For Antiques
Occasionally, inexpensive thrift store items turn out to be far more than meets the eye. While many antique collectibles can only be found in the aisles of specialized dealers, there are also valuable items to seek out at the thrift store. Vintage pottery is one area that can yield unexpected gems. A TikToker recently stumbled upon a glazed pottery pig statue that turned out to be a highly collectible late 19th century piece from Minnesota-based Red Wing Pottery.
Often referred to as "blind pigs" due to the drowsy eyes of the figures, Red Wing pigs can be worth hundreds of dollars on the collector's market, making them a rare centuries-old décor piece you should look for when thrifting for antiques. Started in 1877, The Red Wing company originated as a purveyor of crocks and storage jars designed for food. As needs changed with modern refrigeration, they shifted more to décor and dishware, creating items like figurines, pots, and vases.
Red Wing pigs are a cute and valuable find
These whimsical piggies come in a couple of different sizes, most often encountered in the larger 7-inch model. While these pig trinkets may bear the marks of time, like chips and scratches, particularly on the feet and ears, they are valuable and often sell for anywhere from $400 to over $700. They are dark brown and shiny with glaze, though there are variations in the final look, with some more red or tan than deep brown. Early pigs are unmarked and feature a hole on the bottom meant to relieve inside pressure during the firing process, but you can also find later commemorative pigs stamped with a 2010 date.
These adorable thrifted vintage ceramics can be a cute accent for your farmhouse or rustic designed kitchen. Since they are a nice rich and neutral brown, they are a great way to add whimsy and vintage charm to an all-neutral color palette. Use them with other décor on a shelf, sideboard, or in a centerpiece. In a pair, they also make adorable bookends to store your favorite cookbooks on a counter.