This Vintage Glassware From Anchor Hocking Can Cost You The Same As A Rare Pyrex Bowl

In the world of vintage glass collecting, it's hard to get away from the super iconic brands like Pyrex or Tiffany. Of course, these and other companies still produce incredible, valuable glass items you should always look out for at thrift stores and estate sales, but if you already have those pieces in your collection, it may be time to branch out to other glassmakers. For instance, Anchor Hocking is another brand known for its durable glassware. It's been around since 1905 (making it actually a few years older than Pyrex), and over the years since its founding, it has produced multiple stylish lines of reliable glasses, bowls, and other kitchenware, such as the Wexford line. Popular between the 1960s and late '90s, this line can bring class to your kitchen for the same or even less than a piece of vintage Pyrex.

The Anchor Hocking Wexford line featured many different models, including wine glasses, juice cups, candy dishes, punch bowls, plates, decanters, containers, and more. This design is easily recognizable due to its intricate diamond pattern, which features two different sections: The lower section (or inner, if looking at a plate) is a crisscross of large diamonds that bulge out a bit, while the upper section is a miniature version of the same pattern. In terms of price, vintage Anchor Hocking is generally less expensive than vintage Pyrex, averaging around $20 to $50 per item. However, there are some pricier pieces out there, such as complete sets of Wexford drinking glasses that cost over $200. For comparison, that's around the same price as an uncommon, but not ultra rare, Pyrex bowl.

Because of its relative cheapness, Wexford glass from Anchor Hocking is a great pattern to look out for. As the years go by and interest in vintage items continues to rise, these pieces will become more valuable, especially if you're able to nab a complete set or find a Wexford piece in a rarer color like red, blue, or amber. Even if you don't plan on trying to turn a profit, this glassware is a great way to effortlessly add vintage decor into your modern home. Vintage Anchor Hocking glass is extremely strong and made to last, so picking up a few options is a good investment in the most practical of senses.

Wexford's diamond pattern is pretty iconic, but there are a few other features that will confirm whether you've found something that is genuine Anchor Hocking glass. First, look for the logo. During the decades the company was making Wexford pieces, they went through a couple different maker's marks, but real vintage items will say "Anchor Hocking" or "Made in USA" in capital letters somewhere on the glassware. Signs that the piece was handmade such as a pontil mark, or divot leftover from the glassblowing process, are also typically good indicators that a thrift find is the real deal — you can use these marks to find other pieces of sweet vintage dishware finds that are thrift store gems. There are a few different ways to measure the value of a thrift store find, but regardless of if you're counting the aesthetic appeal, usefulness, or potential financial gain, Wexford glass from Anchor Hocking is a solid choice.