Hot Cuppa History: Delving into the Common Fire King Mug Styles for Collectors
Fire-King mugs, crafted by the esteemed Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation, held a prominent place in the hearts of collectors from the 1940s through the 1970s. This remarkable era witnessed the rise of several captivating vintage Fire King mug styles, each leaving an indelible mark on kitchenware. Let us take a closer look at some of these beloved styles.
Jadite: Jadite is a popular green glass color used in many Fire King mugs. These mugs often feature a simple design with a smooth surface and a small handle.
D-Handle: D-handle mugs were also popular and featured a curved handle shaped like the letter "D.” These mugs often have a simple design and are available in various colors.
Advertising: Fire King also produced many advertising mugs featuring logos and slogans for various companies. These mugs are highly collectible today and feature bright colors and bold designs.
Swirl: Swirl mugs feature a spiral design on the mug’s surface, creating a unique texture. These mugs are often available in various colors and are highly sought after by collectors.
Anchor Hocking: Anchor Hocking mugs were produced in the 1960s and 1970s and featured a simple design with the Anchor Hocking logo on the bottom of the mug. These mugs are often available in various colors and are popular among collectors.
Common Fire King Mugs Style Characteristics
D HANDLE MUG
The Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation produced a popular style of mug from the 1940s through the 1970s.
Shape: The D Handle mug has a classic mug shape, with a cylindrical body, a flat base, and a slightly flared rim. The defining feature of the D Handle mug is the handle, which is shaped like the letter "D" and is attached to the side of the mug.
Size: The D Handle mug typically holds around 8 ounces of liquid and stands about 3.5 inches tall.
Colors: Fire King produced the D Handle mug in various colors, including white, black, pink, blue, green, and more. Some colors are rarer than others and are highly sought after by collectors.
Design: The D Handle mug was produced in various designs, from simple solid colors to more intricate patterns. Some popular designs include the Blue Heaven pattern, the Jade-ite pattern, and the Anchor Hocking logo pattern.
Markings: Most Fire King D Handle mugs are marked with the Fire King logo and the words "Oven Ware" on the bottom of the mug.
THE KIMBERLY PATTERN
A distinctive Fire King mug design was produced in the 1960s and 1970s. Here are some of the characteristics of the Kimberly-style mug:
Shape: Kimberly mugs have a cylindrical shape with a slightly flared rim and a small, curved handle. They are typically around 3.25 inches tall and have a capacity of 8 ounces.
Color: The most common color for Kimberly mugs is milk white, but they are also available in a range of colors, often applied in a gradient from dark to light.
Design: The defining characteristic of the Kimberly style is the repeating pattern of textured diamonds that covers the mug’s surface.
Markings: Kimberly mugs are usually marked with the Fire King logo and the words "Oven Ware" on the bottom of the mug.
C HANDLE
This is another popular mug style produced from the 1940s through the 1970s. Overall, the Fire King C Handle mug is a classic and highly collectible mug known for its sturdy construction, comfortable handle, and wide range of colors and designs. The curved handle of the C Handle mug makes it easy to hold and adds a touch of elegance to the design. The C-Handle comes in a few varieties, Extra Heavy, Small Restaurant, and Slim Chocolate.
Shape: The C Handle mug has a classic mug shape, with a cylindrical body, a flat base, and a slightly flared rim. The C Handle mug's defining feature is the curved handle, which resembles the letter "C.”
Size: The C Handle mug typically holds around 8 ounces of liquid and stands about 3.5 inches tall.
Colors: Fire King produced the C Handle mug in various colors, including white, black, pink, blue, green, and more. Some colors are rarer than others and are highly sought after by collectors.
Design: The C Handle mug was produced in various designs, from simple solid colors to more intricate patterns. Some popular designs include the Blue Heaven pattern, the Jadeite pattern, and the Anchor Hocking logo pattern.
Markings: Most Fire King C Handle mugs are marked with the Fire King logo and the words "Oven Ware" on the bottom of the mug.
STACKABLE
Fire King produced a stackable version of their popular mugs. One of the main advantages of stackable mugs is that they can be easily stored in a compact space, which is especially useful in small kitchens or offices. The sturdy construction of Fire King mugs ensures that the stackable version is just as durable as the non-stackable version, and the wide range of colors and designs means a stackable mug to suit any taste.
Shape: The stackable mugs generally have a cylindrical shape, and the handle can be D or C-style. The bottom of the mug is slightly smaller than the top, which allows the mugs to stack neatly together.
As you embark on your Fire King mug-collecting journey, remember to embrace the stories and history behind each style. These mugs serve as vessels for your favorite beverages and reflect a bygone era, evoking memories of cozy mornings, shared conversations, and the warmth of home.
Whether you display them in your kitchen, use them for daily coffee rituals, or curate them as works of art, Fire King mugs embody the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. So, sip in style, appreciate the craftsmanship, and let the common Fire King mug styles bring a touch of vintage charm and timeless elegance to your collection.
