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In 1936, a new dinnerware was introduced—Fiesta! Home-town America was ready for Art Deco and Color, Color, Color! This, combined with Frederick Rhead’s classic design, caused the ceramic legend to be born! Fiesta began with 5 colors: Cobalt, Ivory, Light Green, Red (bright orange), and Yellow. By 1937, the sixth “original” color, Turquoise, was introduced. These colors showcased Fiesta until 1943, when Fiesta Red “went to war.” It seemed as the government decided that uranium oxide, that which helped give Red its brilliance, was needed for World War II. The other 5 colors stayed in the line until 1951, when Cobalt, Ivory, and Light Green were discontinued. In that year, Yellow and Turquoise were joined by the 50s colors - Chartreuse, Forest Green, Gray, and Rose. The year 1959 saw the next “changing of the guard.” The 50s colors were discontinued, leaving Yellow and Turquoise to carry on once more. But they were joined by an old friend - Red, with its uranium oxide, recieved permission by the government to be allowed back into production. And, of course, in 1959 one of the most coveted (due to scarcity) colors of Fiesta, Medium Green, was introduced. This color palette, Yellow, Turquoise, Red, and Medium Green, would close out the original Fiesta line in 1969. The history of shapes of the original Fiesta line (vintage) can pretty-much be determined by what colors each piece came in. For example, some pieces were made only during the production of the original 6 colors. Examples of these include the mixing bowls, all vases, and the 6-piece relish tray. Other pieces were made throughout the origial Fiesta line and come in all 11 colors. Examples of these include Tom & Jerry mugs, teacups and saucers, and (of course!) salt and pepper shakers! By knowing what pieces came in what colors, new collectors can help being lured into purchasing a “rare” medium green mixing bowl, since they were never made in that color!!! In 1986, Fiesta turned 50, and to celebrate, Homer Laughlin re-issued the line! Using slightly different molds (for the most part), a heavier ceramic slip, and introducing new colors; Fiesta was back!!! The first colors to herald the new line, referred to as post-86 (p86) Fiesta, were Black, White, Apricot (ret. 1998), new Cobalt, and new Rose (ret. 2005). These were followed every few years by a new color being introduced: new Yellow (1987–2002), new Turquoise (1988–current), Periwinkle (1980–2006), Sea Mist Green (1991–2005), Lilac (1993–1995), Persimmon (1995–2008), Sapphire (1996–1997), new Chartreuse (1997–1999), Pearl Gray (1987–2001), Juniper (1999–2001), Cinnabar (2000–to be ret. 2010), Sunflower (2001–current), Plum (2002–current), Shamrock (2003–current), Tangerine (2004–current), Scarlet (2004–current), Peacock (2005–current), Heather (2006–current), Evergreen (2007–2010), Marigold (75th-anniversary color: 2008–current), Ivory (2008–current), Chocolate (2008–current), Lemongrass (2009–current), and soon-to-be-released Paprika (June? 2010–current). The shapes of post-86 Fiesta were, for the most part, slightly (or a lot!) different than the original Fiesta line. For example, the stick demitasse cups were very similar, except for having a turned foot (original Fiesta). The Tom & Jerry mugs are also similar but different. The post-86 T&Js are slghtly taller (the distance between the ring handle and rim is greater) and have the addition of rings around the rim. The salt and pepper shakers for both lines are identical except that the vintage have 6 holes each (the holes varied in size to determine a pair) and the post-86 come in a set of one 6-holed shaker and one 7-holed shaker. Other pieces are completely different in size (the rimmed fruit / cereal bowls) or completely new in shape (the post-86 Millenium vase series). However, some pieces shared the same mold - the vases and the disk pitcher! In 1999, a raised "H" was added to the bottom of these pieces to help determine their newness. The average collector, however, should be sure of the color palettes of both lines to determine vintage from post-86. Many people are understandably a bit overwhelmed by so many colors! Click below for a “down and dirty” color guide. Color Guide One interesting note about post-86 Fiesta is that it is also a very popular line used in restaurants. Consequently, you can enjoy your favorite dishware without having the fuss of having to clean up after you eat off of them!!!