Frequently Asked Questions
How can I determine the name or treatment (pattern) of my Homer Laughlin China dishes?
There are two important identification factors for dishes. First is the shape (sometime also referred to as the line) and second is the treatment (the name of their decoration, pattern, or glaze color).
One of the most comprehensive online resources is laurelhollowpark.net. This site provides extensive information on Homer Laughlin China shapes and treatments, in addition to information about the wares made by other Ohio River Valley potteries. The site also has examples of more than 500 decals used by Homer Laughlin China, covering more than 150 years.
There are also several good reference books that can identify the shapes and some of the treatments of Homer Laughlin dishes:
Homer Laughlin China Guide to Shapes and Patterns by Jo Cunningham and Darlene Nossaman
Homer Laughlin Decades of Dinnerware by Bob Page, Dale Frederiksen, and Dean Six.
An Overview of Homer Laughlin Dinnerware by Mark Gonzalez.
The HLCCA Guide to Fiesta, Harlequin, & Kitchen Kraft (available on this website)
These books can be purchased online or borrowed from many libraries.
Where can I find the treatment (pattern) name or number for my Homer Laughlin dishes?
It is estimated that HLC produced more than 20,000 different decorations. Many of those treatments never had a name, only an identifying number. A small number of Homer Laughlin pieces have the treatment name on back. Sometimes you can find the decoration number on a piece of ware. You are most likely to find this number on the bottom of a casserole lid, baker (oval bowl), or creamer.
This website (https://www.laurelhollowpark.net/hlc/decals.html) shows more than 500 decals used by HLC, along with the shapes they were used on.
You can find a great deal of information on decals used on contemporary Fiesta dinnerware on this website: https://www.laurelhollowpark.net/contemporaryfiesta.html
The book Homer Laughlin Decades of Dinnerware by Bob Page, Dale Frederiksen, and Dean Six also contains photos and identification of hundreds of HLC treatments.
How can I sell my unwanted Homer Laughlin dishes?
There are several options. Keep in mind that while some Homer Laughlin wares are very collectible, large sets of what used to be known as “fancy china” are not in great demand anymore and values are quite low.
Here are some suggestions:
• Check at local antique stores, consignment stores, or auction houses to see if there is interest in buying your dishes for resale. Take a few pieces along as examples. There are also some dealers who will purchase entire collections for resale, sometimes even travelling and packing up the dishes.
• Consider selling your items on an on-line auction site or through listings on local sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Listing and shipping individual items can be very time consuming, but may generate the best returns.
• Consider donating your items to a local charity.
Will HLCCA help me sell my dishes?
The HLCCA has some sales opportunities available to our members. Members may place an ad in the quarterly SideDish, included with each issue of The Dish. Members who attend the annual conference may bring items to sell at the auction or consignment sale (with a fixed percentage going to the organization), or they may purchase dealer space to sell their dishes and related items.
How can I determine the age of my dishes?
Homer Laughlin China and the Fiesta Tableware Company have used several different methods for indicating date of manufacture on their wares. While the age of some dishes can be determined down to the month, other dishes are not marked as specifically and only an age range can be determined, based on shape and color.
Here is an excellent resource to help determine age of HLC/FTC wares that have an ink stamp:
https://www.laurelhollowpark.net/hlc/hlcbackstamps.html
How can I determine the value of my dishes?
The HLCCA does not do appraisals and cannot determine values for you. Values fluctuate over time and vary by condition, desirability, and even where you live. You can ask at local antique shops to find a qualified appraiser.
Another way to get an estimate is to research the sold prices for similar pieces on sites like eBay, or look at how other sellers online have priced similar wares. There’s often a difference between the asking price and selling price.
While collector books will have a price guide, keep in mind that they are all very outdated and not a good gauge of current market values.
Will HLCCA help me find Homer Laughlin dishes I’m looking for?
No, we cannot locate dishes for collectors. However, HLCCA members can advertise in the SideDish for pieces they are seeking, and being a member of HLCCA can connect you with others with similar collecting interests and may be able to share tips and sources.