April 1935: Frederick Rhead, art director at Homer Laughlin, began designing Fiesta ware early in 1935. The ambitious 41 piece line included a seven bowl nesting set, a wide variety of plates and bowls and a few select shapes, like the tripod candle holders and the 12" comport, that showcased Rhead's successful art pottery background. The comport was modeled in April of 1935, and a handful of prototypes were made. This first version was 10" wide and is noted as model number 363. Deciding to enlarge the piece, in May the 12" version was modeled as number 377. Obviously satisfied with this update, Homer Laughlin released the 12" comport in January of 1936 for the solid colored pottery's debut. Advanced collectors who seek out rarities and anomalies will appreciate the scarcity of a piece, not produced, but crucial to the development of the line. This mini twin of the footed comport is in excellent collector quality condition without repairs or damage. Designed before the release of the line, presumably meant to never have left the building, this extremely rare prototype design will be the highlight of any collection. Measures 10" wide x 3" high.