Collecting Vintage Jadeite

ranging from peridot to emerald.

Three companies manufactured the bulk of Jadeite collected today. In the early 1930s, McKee Glass Company began mixing green glass scraps into companies to hide free promotional pieces in other products, such as a bag of flour or a box of soap flakes. These freebees encouraged people to by more items to complete sets. Low glass prices made purchases affordable, even during the Great Depression.

Production slowed or halted altogether during WWII. After the war,

The 1930s through 1970s is the era of vintage jadeite. Collectors can find it at antique malls, Estate Sales, and on-line auction sites. When hunting collectable jadeite, start with checking for manufacturers marks. McKee used “McK”, Jeanette used a “J” in a triangle and Anchor Hocking Fire-King used some form of the word “Fire-King” or an anchor with an “H” in the center. Since not all pieces were marked, particularly the promo pieces, it is also helpful to observe vintage pieces tend to weigh more.

Additionally, McKee and Jeannette jadeite contains uranium and will glow under black light. Prior to World War II uranium was a common ingredient in colored glass. When weapons manufacturers needed uranium for production, glass manufacturers ceased to use it. As a result, vintage Anchor Hocking products will not glow.

Collectors will also encounter faux and fantasy jadeite. Faux jadeite is reproduction, made by companies such as Martha (Stewart) by Mail, Cracker Barrel, and Anchor Hocking’s repo line. Fantasy jadeite is newer as well. It may be cast using old molds, but made into pieces not found in vintage jadeite. For example, any jadeite cake stands you may encounter are newer, as cake stands weren’t made between 1930 and 1979. Another type of glass collectors might encounter

Clambroth came in a a variety of colors. While the green very closely resembles jadeite, Clambroth is translucent, not opaque.

Still, if you like a piece of faux, fantasy, or Clambroth, and the price is fair, why not buy it? All three will blend well with your vintage jadeite collection.

Like most glassware collectables, jadeite prices range from a few dollars to hundreds. Small bowls, plates, reamers, cups, and salt and pepper shakers can be found for under twenty dollars. The much soughtafter Fire-King Jadeite ball jug, first debuted in the 1940s, runs about four- to five-hundred. A complete set of teardrop mixing bowls by Fire-King will set you back eight- or nine-hundred, while a McKee flour or sugar canister can fetch a thousand dollars or more.

Jadeite’s lovely, soothing shades work well with many decorating styles, from country kitchen to sleek modern. It is heatproof, durable and resistant to stains. A jadeite collection will provide a fresh, pleasing look to any home for years to come.

Bridget Klusman

Owner, Retro Estate Sales https://retroestatesales.wixsite.com/retroestatesales

A. Fire-King Teardrop Mixing Bowls

B. Fire-King Ball Jug

C. Jeanette Canisters And Butter Dish