Homer Laughlin Harlequin Demitasse Cups and Saucers

Harlequin dinnerware was sold without trademark through the dime store chain F.W. Woolworth Company exclusively until 1964. During the 1950's, Woolworth's sold it as both open stock and in starter sets. A starter set, according to brochures, consisted of 4 9 1/4" luncheon plates, 4 cups, 4 saucers, 4 5 1/2 " sauce dishes (aka fruit bowl). A starter set in the 1957 Woolworth's Christmas catalog sold for $3.98, an increase from $3.49 in the 1955 catalog. ¹ Over its lifespan, it was produced in twelve different glazes. The original colors were mauve blue, yellow, spruce green and maroon. The maroon is unique, and officially referred to as red. In the 1940s, HLC added red, rose, turquoise and light green. The 1950s ushered in the colors forest green, chartreuse, medium green and gray. Harlequin proved very popular and sold throughout the 1950's. Official records indicate the line was discontinued in 1964. Woolworth offered a reissue of Herlequin from 1979 to 1982. The newer issue utilized turquoise, coral, yellow and a variation on medium green.