Here's what Jean had to say about the family duck. We're grateful for her comments and advice.
I bought a Messer holstein bull pottery piece for $5.99 and it sold on eBay for $585.00.
I was told that Mr. Messer also did commissioned work for some cattle ranchers, so maybe mine went back to one of them. The bull sold to someone in North Dakota.Some eBayers have a program that shows their completed listings for the past two years. You could see my cow and two herefords that also sold prior to mine selling. They closed out at $350.00 & up. Find an eBay store and ask if he's worth selling. They will want your business once they see what Messer pottery is worth, as they sell on commission.
They should be able to give you a high and low for all the Messer pieces that have sold on eBay. However, at a live eBay auction, your duck may go higher than I think, plus the history of the piece is very interesting.
Keep your duck safe, he may be worth more than you think. I wasn't sure my cow would bring what the Herefords brought. I'm sure you've seen ebay items that are nearly identical but one sells really high and the other sells for a few dollars or not at all.
I was totally surprised that my "cash cow" went so high.
Sincerely, Jean P.
(The blog has yet to receive any information on what Dad wrote about Joe Messer in "Extraordinary North Dakotans" that triggered the gift. There is a library of Rolfsrud books at the Wexford. Linda, it is your assignment to look up Joe Messer and illuminate R&F as soon as you get back from Puerto Rico. Thank you.)
