Identification

Anchor Hocking Bubble Pattern Divided Relish Dish, c.1940s

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a classic pressed-glass divided relish dish featuring the iconic 'Bubble' pattern, also known as 'Bullseye'. It features a central divider designed to serve two different condiments or treats, framed by a playful border of raised glass spheres.

Story

Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation, based in Lancaster, Ohio, was a prolific manufacturer of Depression glass and mid-century pressed glass. The 'Bubble' pattern (also known as 'Bullseye' or 'Provincial') was introduced in the late 1930s and produced through the 1960s, becoming a ubiquitous staple in American households. The secondary market for mid-century mass-produced pressed glassware is heavily saturated but maintains a steady, low-velocity demand.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

Based on standard vintage expectations for this piece, value depends heavily on the absence of chips, 'flea bites', or glass clouding. The raised bubbles on the rim are particularly prone to impact damage from decades of use and storage, so a smooth, unchipped rim is necessary to realize the mid-to-high end of the range.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for mid-century mass-produced pressed glassware is heavily saturated but maintains a steady, low-velocity demand. Buyers are typically collectors replacing broken pieces, nostalgic buyers, or vintage home decor enthusiasts. Because the intrinsic value of these single pieces is low, shipping costs often rival the item's price, making local sales or bundled lots the most practical avenues for resale.

Value Drivers

Iconic 'Bubble' pattern by Anchor Hocking appeals to dedicated vintage glass collectors.

Divided relish form remains practical for modern hosting, adding utilitarian appeal.

Clear glass fits easily into varied decor styles compared to colored variants.

Concerns

High shipping costs relative to the item's intrinsic value frequently deter online buyers.

Unverified rim condition — any flea bites or chips on the raised bubbles will drop value to the $5-$8 range.

Best Venue

Given the low individual value ($10-$15), selling this online as a single item may be challenging due to shipping costs. Consider bundling it with other vintage clear glass pieces to create a more attractive lot. If listing individually, Etsy is the strongest venue; price at $15 and ensure photos clearly show an undamaged rim.

Upside Potential

There is minimal upside above the $15 mark for a single clear glass dish; exceeding this range would require a rarer colored glass variant (such as Royal Ruby or Forest Green) or selling it as part of a larger, matching set.

Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Etsy
    Blue Bubble Light Blue Grill Divided Plates 1940 - 1965 Anchor Hocking
    Grill plates are divided dinnerware plates, not serving relish dishes.
    $9