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Vintage Fiesta Relish Tray

The relish tray was suprising part of the original release of the fiestaware line in 1936. The trays were originally sold to stores in solid color sets, but were quickly mixed and matched by the stores or customers themselves. There is speculation that pottery designer Frederick Rhead copied the design of the 6 piece relish tray set from a Japanese import marked "Maple Ware". We do know that Rhead copied other items, such as the Harlquin nut dish from Japanese lines, so there is probably validity in the hypothesis. Regardless, the vintage fiesta version was a sensation, and much like the 7 piece nesting bowl set, lets the user mix and match colors to their own satisfaction.

Dimensions

Base: 11" wide x 1 1/2" tall | Side Inserts: 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 6 and 1" tall | Center Inserts: 3 1/4" across x 1" tall.

Marks

Relish tray bases and centers are usally marked in the mold with the impressed mark "fiesta HLC USA" while side inserts will either be marked "HLC USA" OR "made in usa" or a thinner walled version will be unmarked. Unmarked turquoise bases belong to the Harlequin relish tray set and although they can be used to house the fiesta inserts and centers, should not be considered part of the fiestaware line.

Years of production

Circa 1936-1946: Made in the first six original vintage colors. Red discontinued by the end of 1942.