Very Collectible Vintage Fire King

When it comes to collectible glassware, Fire-King by Anchor Hocking is as popular as it comes. There was a lot of it made between the 1940s and 1970s.

This is not the only Anchor Hocking product line, nor were the 70s the end of the company’s products. But there is a lot to tempt new collectors, and keep experienced ones on the hunt. It helps that a lot of the pieces are marked.

Fire-King pieces were designed for a variety of uses, including in the oven. The piece types range from dinnerware to kitchen ware. Just about any piece you can think of -- meant for kitchen use and made of glass – was made for this product line.

Nothing says “retro” like Jadeite green mugs, dinnerware and bakeware, Philbe pattern pie dishes, casseroles and loaf dishes in Sapphire blue or Lustre pieces like batter bowls and French casseroles with their warm, iridescent gold finish.

There are a lot of other piece types and patterns, too. Some collectors focus on just one of these colors, or on piece types like advertising mugs, salt and pepper shakers, mixing bowls or ball jugs. If you’re decorating a vintage style kitchen, or dressing up your special display corner, Fire-King may just fit your personal style.

Blue Heaven, Bubble, Sandwich, Early American Prescut, Wexford, Primrose and Candleglow are some of the other popular patterns.

Collections can also revolve around colors, such as the greens (Jadeite, or Forest Green), Royal Ruby red or Sapphire blue.

When you’re adding to your collection, be sure to look carefully at condition. I presume all glass has a chip or crack until I examine it and prove otherwise. And then there’s “dishwasher haze,” a dull finish caused by harsh washing. These pieces are okay to use, but won’t be worth much as collectibles.

One of the best books for devoted glass lovers is Anchor Hocking's Fire-King & More, now in its 4th edition, by Cathy and Gene Florence. It covers Fire-King and other glassware by Anchor Hocking.

I like to use my collections and I go easy on my pieces. If you do, too, please note that the Fire-King glass is ovenware, but other Anchor Hocking wares may not be, unless specifically marked. Don’t use any piece in the oven unless it’s marked as such.

In any case, if you like glass, you can easily find something to love among the Anchor Hocking wares. This charming glass is enjoyable to collect, display and use.