This was originally notes explaining the ins and outs of Homer Laughlin "hallmarks." I added a few bits of interesting history but this is by no means a complete write-up on this company.

Examples of Homer Laughlin can be seen in my website catalog, however, it is not a manufacturer in which I have specialized. I like the china and have admired it for some time. Because it is more of a collectors item, I do not stock it in any great amounts. Often a pattern of china will be given a name which is included on the back of the finished china. When this is printed on the back it is generally known as a hallmark. The manufacturer may include its name, the pattern name and other identifying numbers or information. 

The Homer Laughlin company, a wonderful manufacturer of American dinnerware included a set of numbers which people often mistake for a pattern identification. For example E52N2, this unfortunately does not identify the pattern but does tell you that it was made in the 5th month of 1952. The months were designated A through L, the last two digits of the year of manufacture follow and the final numbers identify which of 5 or 6 manufacturing plants made the pieces. Because your particular pattern may have been made over several months or even years you might find usable pieces of your pattern in D52N3 or K53N2. There are often variations in manufacturing and there might be differences in coloration but given that these were made over 50 years ago age may have made the manufacturing differences unimportant. Attempting to locate only D52N3 may prove far more expensive for you as there will be fewer available pieces made in a specific location and month than may be available overall. 

Often Homer Laughlin included the word Eggshell in the hallmark. This is not a pattern name but a color of glaze applied to the pattern. Virginia Rose is a very collectible type of Homer Laughlin. Virginia Rose however refers to a particular shape.

Even Fiesta, which initially one may think of as having a particular shape but varying colors has been made in patterns which include decals. The Fiesta line of Homer Laughlin does however have a distinct shape.

The Homer Laughlin company was once located in East Liverpool, Ohio and other area potters made or had their china made in the same kilns. The Hall China Company is still in East Liverpool but the other great Ohio Potteries have come and gone. Knowles, Taylor and Knowles and American Limoges also operated in that city. One can occasionally find Alliance dinnerware with Homer Laughlin hallmarks in addition to the Alliance hallmark. The Homer Laughlin company remains in business producing Fiesta dinnerware and making excellent restaurantware. Their current location is in West Virginia across the Ohio river from East Liverpool.

The Homer Laughlin house in East Liverpool Ohio prior to its being razed for parking.

It was quite an impressive structure in its time..