How to Collect Ruby Glass
Royal Ruby is the patented name of the scarlet-colored transparent glass produced by the Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation. Production of Royal Ruby glass started in 1938 and continued through the late 1970s. Anchor Hocking created a variety of bowls, pitchers, ashtrays and vases in Royal Ruby, making the red glassware a true collectible.
Instructions
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Understand that most Royal Ruby glass is not signed. Marked items contain an imprint of an anchor with a letter "H" in the middle. The glass usually has a sticker labeling the Royal Ruby color.
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Look for early patterns, like the R-1700 line. This round-shaped glass featured a footed creamer and sugar bowl.
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Search for Royal Ruby glass from the R-4000 line of the 1950s. Similar in shape to Turquoise Blue dinnerware, this series featured flat plates with the edges bent upward, as well as a flat sugar bowl and creamer.
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4
Find Royal Ruby glass in a variety of Anchor Hocking patterns including Queen Mary, Oyster and Pearl, Coronation, Classic, Old Café, Manhattan and Bubble.
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5
Pick up any novelty items made from Royal Ruby glass. These items were sometimes combined with crystal and include cigarette boxes, powder boxes and apothecary jars.
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6
Keep an eye out for red beer bottles marked with the characteristic anchor and "H" or the words "Royal Ruby." For a brief time, Anchor Hocking produced the Royal Ruby bottles for Schlitz Brewery.
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Tips & Warnings
Glass marked with a large "H" and a small "A" is a product of the Hazel Atlas company and is often mistaken for Anchor Hocking. The companies are not connected.