Circa 1938-1951: Dr. Albert Bleininger, former Chair of University of Illinois' Department of Ceramic Engineering and former Chief of the Division of Ceramics of the National Bureau of Standards before the Homer Laughlin China Company hired him as their Director of Research in 1920, developed the original green Fiesta glaze during the summer of 1935. Surprisingly, the father of all Fiesta greens was not among the first test colors that HLCC applied to basic tableware shapes and showcased at Homer Laughlin to department store buyers. However, by the end of the year, the final five colors had been chosen, and Bleininger's green had made the grade.
For thirteen years, Homer Laughlin produced the Fiesta disk water pitcher in the classic original green glaze. Having a 71 fluid ounce capacity and standing 7 1/2" in height, the disk water pitcher is a large but not overwhelming piece of Fiesta holloware.
This example in the original cucumber light green features a nice even glaze application with great shine and is impressed in the mold with the legendary "HLC fiesta MADE IN U.S.A" mark. With no chips, cracks, or repairs, this vintage Fiestaware Disc Water Pitcher dipped in Bleininger's first Fiesta green is in superlative condition and will make a fine addition to any collection.
Bob Zordani and Heidi Kellner: (217) 714-5016, Champaign/Urbana, Illinois: zandk@zandkantiques.com
