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| Fiesta or Not? |
We recently purchased a box lot of beautiful, colorful dinnerware; the previous owners mentioned that they thought it was Fiesta ware. After purchasing and taking a good look at the items, I began to think that it was not. My first clue, no markings, none at all! So I began to do some research, this is what I found out.
Fiesta Potter is described as the most popular American dinnerware ever. Fiesta ware was designed by the Englishman, Frederick Hurten Rhead. The product line was introduced to the American public in 1936 by the Homer Laughlin Pottery Company of Newell, West Virginia. The original design was produced for almost 25 years until it was restyled in 1959 and replaced with Fiesta ironstone which was discontinued in 1973. Fiesta dinnerware was reintroduced in 1986 to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Now how do I date and identify pottery that I think might be Fiesta ware? First, identify the color and check the bottom for any markings. The earliest pieces do not have any trademarks on the bottom. They will always be in the original colors. Turquoise was introduced in 1937. Red was discontinued during WWII and was not produced from 1943-1959. Look for a “fiesta HCL USA” logo stamped or molded into the bottom of the piece. The small “f” indicated that it is an early piece. The stamped “fiesta Made in USA”is also a vintage mark. Large “F” marking designates later production. Colors: Fiesta ware was originally introduced in just 5 colors, red, (it may look orange), Blue, Green, yellow and old Ivory Turquoise not hitting the shelves until 1937. New colors were introduced in 1951, they are: forest green, rose, chartreuse and gray.
After a little research and careful inspection, I have some beautiful dishes for sale that are not in my opinion Fiesta ware. Brick House Antique Center prices on these items range from $4.00-$12.00. I hope you will take time to stop in to see us if you are in the area, or you can shop online at www.brickhouseantiques.com.
Until next time…..Brick House Blogger
