How to Identify Anchor Hocking Sandwich Glassware
Anchor Hocking Sandwich glassware was produced by the Anchor Hocking Glass Company from 1939 to 1964. Pieces included glasses, plates, egg dishes, cups and punch bowls that were given away as promotional items at gas stations and grocery stores. The term "Sandwich" refers to the patterns of scrolls and flowers that were based on designs first produced by glass makers in Sandwich, Massachusetts, from the 1820s to the 1880s. In addition to Anchor Hocking, Sandwich glassware was also produced by Indiana Glass Company, Duncan & Miller Glass Company and Westmoreland Glass Company. Sandwich glassware produced by these companies was not stamped or marked with letters, numbers or symbols. One make can only be distinguished from the others by color and subtle variations in the scroll and flower pattern.
Instructions
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Determine if the color of your glassware is one that was produced by Anchor Hocking. The most common colors were ruby red, forest green and clear crystal. Some pieces can also be found in white milk glass, amber or pink.
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Look at the flower pattern on your glassware. The flowers on Anchor Hocking Sandwich glassware have double lines around the flowers. The other companies produced Sandwich glass with simpler flowers with single lines.
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Examine the scroll pattern on your piece of glassware. Anchor Hocking Sandwich glass has a "V" shape at the center of its scroll pattern. Comparatively, if your piece has a scroll pattern that is more "M" shaped, it could be a piece by Indiana Glass Company.
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Verify the authenticity of your piece of glassware with an antique dealer. Even if you feel fairly confident that yours is a piece of Anchor Hocking Sandwich glass, an expert will be able to confirm this for you.
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Tips & Warnings
Collectibles guides such as "Collector's Encyclopedia of Depression Glass," by Gene Florence and Cathy Florence, 2003, include descriptions and photos that can help you to identify your piece of glassware.
Beware of new reproductions made to look like Anchor Hocking Sandwich glassware. While the pattern may seem the same, check that the particular piece was ever produced by Anchor Hocking. For instance, a reproduction cookie jar may be mistaken for an original. Further research will tell you that Anchor Hocking never made a cookie jar.