Circa 1938 -1940: Butter in the 30s was sold in 1/2 lb. slabs. The Homer Laughlin butter dish is a fusion of many of their pottery lines design elements - the three tier tab handles blend perfectly with Riviera, the graduated finial melds with both Harlequin and Fiesta. This example in the original Spruce glaze was produced for a very short time and in limited quanities. This example is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks, no damage but one small, light scratch on the lid. Please note a small glaze skip on the edge of the base, shown at about 3 o'clock in the fourth picture. Early and original Spruce Green is hard to find and holds the distinction of being a unique Harlequin color. Measures an impressive 9 1/8" long by 3 3/4" tall and 5 3/4" wide. Finial would have been hand appied and the base formed in a ram press. This example can also boast quality controller or makers stamps on both the lid and base.