It’s Party Time: Strawser Auction Group’s Two Day March 2024 Fiestaware Auction

Strawser Auction Group of Wolcottville, IN held its signature early spring two-day Fiesta Auction on March 8 and 9, 2024. Fiestaware, known for its vibrant, eye-catching colors and Art Deco presentation, was launched in 1936 by the Homer Laughlin China Company. Nearly 90 years onward, Fiestaware is still in production, has a very active collecting community, and consistently ranks as a top brand noted on bridal registries. The first day of this sale included 300+ lots of modern Fiestaware from 1986 onward. The second day featured 400+ lots of prewar and vintage examples. Here are some key highlights that caught the attention of the Auction Daily team. All prices noted include the auction house’s buyer’s premium.

This Fiestaware auction featured a number of maroon items which generated breathtaking results. The top lot in the sale was #0616, a Fiesta maroon two-pint jug. Estimated at USD 3,000 to $5,000, it made $11,160 and generated 35 bids. It was marked Fiesta on its glazed underside and was detailed with a round handle and traditional Fiestaware striping along the top. According to Strawser’s experts, this example was only one of two extant.

Lot #0686, a maroon Fiesta cup and saucer, was estimated at $200 to $400 and delivered $2,232. It produced 16 bids. The tapered cup was decorated with a round handle and concentric circles on its upper half. The matching saucer included an indentation for the cup and matching circular decorations. Lot #0770, a maroon Fiesta relish tray without inserts, was estimated at $500 to $800 and traded hands at $10,540. The lot generated 40 bids. This lipped, circular serving piece was fully glazed and branded with the Fiesta logo on its underside.

Form and color are key factors for collectors when it comes to determining the rarity and collectability of Fiestaware items. The Fiesta Tableware Company has introduced 55 different colors into production since 1936. These colors are fully documented and given descriptive or literal names. However, there is no record of the color “maroon” as a standard line hue, according to company materials. As such, it is probable that these maroon auction highlights were originally produced in very low numbers as prototypes, customer specials, or test items. This would make them extremely desirable among enthusiasts and help to explain their impressive results.

From the 1980s onward, The Fiesta Tableware Company has put a new color into its production almost annually. This year’s introduction is “sky”; its hue genuinely reflects the color of the horizon on a cloudless, sunny day. Pre-war production colors included red, cobalt blue, light green, yellow, old ivory, and turquoise.

Other premier results from this Fiestaware auction included lot #0690, a Fiesta turquoise individual creamer, which was estimated at $2,000 to $3,000 and sold for $4,960. It produced 32 bids. This example was detailed with an oval-shaped handle and a slightly convex body. It was marked Fiesta on its glazed underside. According to Strawser’s experts, this exact creamer was one of only a few known.

Turquoise is a legacy color for Fiestaware, with examples appearing in both the prewar and postwar period. The first run for a hue called turquoise happened in the 1937 to 1969 timeframe. The next appearance of turquoise occurred in 1988, and the color is still in production to this day. Although not specifically noted in the cataloging, it is likely that this turquoise creamer highlight was produced during the color’s debut appearance period.

Lot #0497, a Fiesta Amberstone individual salad bowl, was estimated at $300 to $500 and served up $2,852 and 27 bids. This round, light brown glazed bowl was decorated both on the inside and outside with concentric circles.

Fiesta Amberstone refers to the color and pattern of a line of dinnerware privately manufactured by The Homer Laughlin China Company for another firm named J&H International of Wilmette, IL. It was produced in 1967 and was based on the existing Fiesta offering at the time, with some variations. For example, the Amberstone production included handled trays, which were also known as tidbit or snack trays. These trays were only made for the Amberstone line and not available in other colors through the company’s catalog. Amberstone items featured a new-to-the-market brown glaze with a distinctive underglaze pattern on the flatware.

For more information on Strawser Auction Group’s March 2024 Fiestaware auction, visit LiveAuctioneers. 

Find more auction results, including coverage of the Collection of Ann and Gordon Getty at Stair, on Auction Daily.