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Finds and Interests
They’re here, they’re there, and they can be found almost anywhere. No, I’m not referring to Ted Lasso’s fictional English football star Roy Kent. I’m talking about Fire-King. No, not the infamous Fire King scene from Ice Age: The Meltdown. I’m talking about good ol’ coffee mugs. Walk into the home décor section of any thrift store and boom—you’re hit with a groaning abundance of mugs. If you missed this fantastic episode on thrifting vintage mugs, check it out before we dive into the niche of what I consider the superior vintage mug: the Fire-King brand. Not all mugs are worth the same. Can you guess which features help a mug command a higher price?
Image Source: WorthPoint
Fire-King: A Brief History
Fire-King by Anchor Hocking initially popped up in the early 1940s, right before the prominent mid-century modern design movement really took hold in America. Thus, many collectors loved the mid-century prints the brand became known for.
Anchor Hocking initially produced Fire-King as a durable, heat-proof glassware brand in response to comparable options like Pyrex. Luckily, the brand’s durability has surpassed those initial expectations as we continue to see vintage pieces, especially its various mugs, in pristine condition. However, not all Fire-King mugs have a high resale value. Let’s dive into what you want to keep an eye out for.
Popular Fire-King Mugs
Jadeite
Jadeite is a milky green glassware line and one of Anchor Hocking’s most popular colorways. The company began producing jadeite items under the Fire-King brand in the 1940s; vintage collectors like Martha Stewart still delight in these.
Fire-King jadeite mugs are primarily opaque and simple in design with few embellishments or adornments. You’ll likely come across a few different handle styles—such as mugs with the “C” handle versus the “D” handle—that don’t greatly influence the price.
Individual jadeite coffee mugs typically do not command as high of a price as lots with multiple mugs. However, single jadeite mugs with special embossed patterns, like the Philbe pattern, are often resold for more, like this one sold on eBay in May 2024 for $449.
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Another popular niche within Fire-King mugs is advertisement mugs. Often, these mugs are white, so the bright logos pop against the plain backgrounds. Fire-King produced mugs in partnership with major companies, such as Burger King, Harley-Davidson, and Exxon. If you find a white or jadeite mug with another company’s logo or branding, it is worth looking up on the WorthPoint Price Guide.
Image Source: WorthPoint
Astrology/Zodiac
These can be more difficult to find, but if you come across one, I recommend snagging it. In May 2024, this vintage Fire-King Sagittarius mug was sold for $64.99 on eBay. Perhaps each Zodiac sign sells better during its month on the astrological calendar.
Snoopy
As a beagle enthusiast, you might think I am biased; however, numbers don’t lie. Historically, Fire-King Snoopy mugs are favorites of collectors. Lots of multiple mugs can command thousands of dollars; however, even a singular Fire-King stackable Snoopy mug can command a hefty price. It is more common for the popular mugs to be resold for hundreds; however, prices can fall below $20 for less-than-pristine examples. Always make sure to do your research before setting a price.
Image Source: WorthPoint
Other Things to Consider
As you can see, many of the Fire-King mugs can command a high price. Although it is essential to know what to look for when identifying a high-value item, it is equally important to understand what mugs pose a higher return risk. One of the less popular collections includes the Fire-King fruit mugs, which I like. I think they’re fun and a great way to tie in vintage pieces with a dopamine décor style, and I am not the only one who feels that way. Fire-King fruit sets command higher prices than individual mugs; however, they don’t compare to more popular pieces.
Image Source: WorthPoint
Two more subcategories that don’t tend to command as high of a price as the mugs mentioned earlier include the diamond design coffee mugs and the bird mugs. That is not to say you won’t find a diamond in the rough or that they won’t appeal to someone. It is just important to note they don’t have as much value within the collector’s world.
Happy Hunting!
Whether you’re a resale buyer or a mug enthusiast, the world of Fire-King mugs has something for everyone. Remember to shop for what you love and always do your research. If you’re unsure where to begin, consider starting with online auctions or browsing your local thrift store. What’s your favorite Fire-King mug?
Sarah Seippel is a freelance writer and finds much of her inspiration in the unique collections of her father, Will Seippel. In her free time, she enjoys hunting down the best cup of coffee and pursuing for vintage deals.