Overview
A classic, heavy-duty ceramic coffee mug finished in a deep, lustrous cobalt blue glaze. This piece features the iconic concentric rings near the base, a signature design element of the historic American Fiesta line.
Preliminary identification
Fiesta Cobalt Blue Coffee Mug
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
Introduced in 1936, Fiesta ware revolutionized American tables with its bold, mix-and-match solid colors. Cobalt blue was one of the original 'First Six' colors, capturing the deep, moody elegance of the Art Deco era.
Maker / Origin
The Homer Laughlin China Company, founded in 1871 along the Ohio River, became an American powerhouse of pottery. Designer Frederick Hurten Rhead created Fiesta to be affordable, durable, and brilliantly colorful, turning everyday dinnerware into a design icon.
Condition & Value
The mug appears to be in very good vintage/used condition with no visible chips or cracks. There is some minor sticker residue and shelf wear on the unglazed foot ring. Excellent condition keeps it at the top of its modest price range.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.