Into the Fire

One of the more well-known items that came out the 20th century in the way of dinnerware was Fire-King. I can spot it on a shelf a mile away.

Fire-King Custard Cups (photo courtesy of Vintage Eve’s)

Well, my eyesight’s not so hot these days so maybe a few feet away. But I know it when I see it. Fire-King is one of Anchor Hocking’s line of glassware. It comes in milky white and a number of other colors including a popular color called Jade-ite. It has a luster to it that isn’t just a gloss and it’s very collectible.

 

Fire-King in Primrose Pattern (photo courtesy of TreasureObsessed)

 

According to Collectors Weekly, Anchor Hocking was originally Hocking Glass Corporation, named after the Hocking River in Lancaster, Ohio.

Fire-King Jade-ite Bowl (photo courtesy of FranksCollections)

They began in 1905 and made pressed glass. They merged in 1937 with Anchor Cap and Closure Corporation of Long Island City, New York.

 

 

As they grew they expanded into other lines such as plastic and other materials so they dropped the word “glass” from their name and became Anchor Hocking in 1969.

Fire-King Lusterware Beehive Bowl (photo courtesy of FoundGoodsCA)

Fire-King began its manufacture from around 1940 until 1976. Collectors Weekly says that “Fire-King was a brand not a pattern…” and had many different items in the line. There was dinnerware, mugs, bowls and other items.

There were patterns, too such as Alice that was created in the late 1940s, Jane Ray, Hobnail, Early American Prescut and Rainbow. Rainbow was to be a competitor for the popular Fiestaware that was being produced by the Homer Laughlin Company starting in 1936.

Fire-King Philbe Custard Dishes (photo courtesy of ArtzyBitz)

 

 

There was one pattern that was only made from 1937 to 1938 called Philbe. It was run in 4 colors but transparent blue, called Sapphire, is the most collected in this pattern. I love finding those elusive pieces.

Fire-King McDonald’s Cup (Photo courtesy of KanesVintage)

 

Jade-ite and an opaque white called Anchorwhite were introduced as restaurant and institution ware during the time from 1948 to 1967. In 1976 Fire-King was discontinued.

Fire-King Polka Dot (photo courtesy of EuroFair)

Fire-King Tulip (photo courtesy of Jiminyvintage)

 

 

 

Fire-King is such a great collectible. An iconic item from the 1950s and 60s that reminds me of times gone by. Not necessarily simpler times, just different. Well, if you get a chance leave me a note or stop by Vintage Eve’s shop and take a poke around at some more vintage treasures.

Fire-King 1 Pint Baking Dish in Sapphire Philbe Pattern (photo courtesy of Vintage Eve’s)

Enjoy your week!

Where I like to party Adirondack Girl @ Heart !

 

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