Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Fiesta Tea Time Challenge

During the 1880 the Homer Laughlin China Works company became well known for it ceramic dinnerware.  Frederick Rhead, and Englishman, was hired as a designer in 1927, and he became famous for his Fiesta dinnerware collection by 1936. The design came in five bright, bold colors; Red (made with uranium which gave it's orangish color), Colbalt Blue, Yellow, Green, and Old Ivory. Turquoise was not introduced until 1937. 
With Fiesta sales soaring in 1936, the Homer Laughlin China Company continued to flourish until the beginning of World War II when production shifted to making military ware. When the war ended, the plant once again began production of Fiesta dinnerware producing over ten million dozen pieces in 1948. In 1959 Rhead's original Fiesta was discontinued and a new Fiesta Ironstone style was created, it was  later discontinued in 1973. A new Fiesta was once again introduced in 1986 and production continues to this day with many new colors added yearly.


Now Take the Fiesta Challenge!
Below are five Fiestaware teacups. Some are old and some are new.
Starting on the left with teacup #1- #5. Can you tell  by looking at the color which teacups are pre-1986 (old) and post-1986 (new).

Another way to tell the age of a fiesta item is to look at the makers mark on the bottom.
Look at the three back stamps on the right. Can you tell which ones are the old back stamps and which are the new back stamps? Start at the top and work down.
For the correct answers visit the "Fiesta Tea Time Challenge Answers".
More on Fiesta


Tuesday Cuppa TeaTea Time Tuesday

"Friends Sharing Tea" is posted on TUESDAY
I am joining the following parties:
Rosewalk Cottage
Beyond The Garden Gate
Country Blessings
Just a Little Southern Hospitality 
Life On Willie Mae Lane



16 comments:

  1. Hi Linda, Thanks for the history of Fiesta ware. Homer Laughlin's company was and is responsible for MUCH beautiful dinnerware over the years. I like your Fiesta!

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  2. What a wonderful collection and your information is so helpful! Thanks for linking to Friends Sharing Tea.

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  3. I love the Fiesta Collection. Happy Tea Day!

    Jan ♥

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  4. Hi Linda,
    I always find the history of china fascinating. The Fiesta ware is wonderful with such lovely colours. Thank you for joining me for tea and enjoy the rest of your day.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  5. GRACIAS POR VENIR A ARGENTINA A COMPARTIR EL TÉ.
    TIENES UNAS TAZAS PRECIOSAS Y UNA PRESENTACIÓN ADORABLE. GRACIAS OTRA VEZ POR COMPARTIR.

    BESOS GRANDES.

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  6. I am guessing the ivory and the cobalt are the oldest ones.
    I do love the look of your cups here in blues and neutrals. So beautiful! They make a stunning setting.
    Thank you for sharing about the company and it's history. I have never read about it before, and I find it interesting.
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  7. Charming! I love the combo of different blues together :)
    Happy Tea time~

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  8. Thanks for sharing the history of Fiesta and the colors! I would say probably the aqua and cobalt are new colors and the rest are older! I do love them all! Very pretty teacups!
    hugs,
    Lisa

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  9. Interesting information on fiesta ware. I have always liked that look!
    Sandy

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  10. I love the shape and color of these cups! So cute ... and great lesson.

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  11. Hi Linda,

    I just adore Homer Laughlin and have quite a few pieces by them. I didn't realize they made the Fiesta pattern. The soft and cobalt blues compliment each other very nicely.

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  12. What an interesting post. I really enjoyed learning about Homer Laughlin dishes. Love the colors!
    Nancy

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  13. I'm trying to guess, but my word, it's not easy! I'm going to say the cream, light blue and turquoise are old, the white and cobalt are new? As for the marks, the top two are old (no H mark) and the bottom is new. How close am I?

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  14. I love Fiesta dishes and have lots. Most of mine are yellow and red, but have added many colors and mix them all the time.

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  16. Is the color combo above cobalt, ivory and turqouise?

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