Anchor Hocking 'Philbe' Pattern Press-Glass Plate

This is a vintage square-shaped plate made of thick, pressed clear glass, identified as the 'Philbe' pattern (also known as the Sapphire Blue or Crystal line) by Anchor Hocking. The plate features a complex molded design consisting of a central sunburst or starburst motif from which rays extend outward. Surrounding this central element is a circular band of beaded or 'hobnail' dots. Additional lines of graduated beads radiate toward the corners of the plate. The rim is gently scalloped with rounded corners, giving it a soft geometric silhouette. The glass displays a heavy, durable construction characteristic of mid-20th-century Depression-era or early post-war kitchenware (circa 1930s-1940s). The surface shows signs of age and use, including visible surface grime, some minor pitting, and light scratching consistent with table use. Small bubbles (seeds) within the glass indicate the mass-production pressing process used by Anchor Hocking. There are no visible maker marks on this section of the plate, which is typical for this pattern as branding was often omitted or placed on central bases.

I have examined the images of this square pressed-glass plate in the 'Philbe' pattern, manufactured by Anchor Hocking. Based on the thick glass construction, the characteristic sunburst central motif, and the radiating beaded or 'hobnail' lines, I can confirm the pattern is consistent with the Sapphire Blue and Crystal lines produced primarily between 1937 and 1956. The presence of 'seeds' or small air bubbles is consistent with high-volume mid-century pressing techniques rather than modern reproductions. Condition-wise, the plate shows signs of substantial utility, including surface grime, light scratching, and minor pitting. In the current market, collectors of Depression-era and early post-war glass prioritize 'mint' or 'near-mint' condition. Because this pattern was mass-produced in significant quantities, the 'Philbe' crystal variant is common. Market demand remains steady for replacements of existing sets, but individual pieces with visible wear command lower premiums. Comparables for single crystal square plates in this condition typically clear at online auctions and antique malls in the $10 to $18 range. While the visual characteristics strongly align with known Anchor Hocking production, a definitive authentication cannot be completed via photography alone. An in-person inspection would be required to rule out later 20th-century 'look-alike' patterns and to verify the tactile 'shear marks' or mold seams. A physical examine would also check for 'sickness' (permanent clouding from chemical leaching) versus removable surface grime. No scientific testing is typically required for this class of glassware, as its value does not warrant the cost of lab analysis; provenance documentation from a known collection would, however, support the higher end of the valuation range.