The Rare Vintage Fire-King Mug With An Adorable Pattern That Collectors Still Hunt For

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It's hard to imagine a more iconic fictional dog than Snoopy. His likeness can be found gracing everything from sweatshirts to dorm room posters. However, did you know that Snoopy can be found on one of the most valuable vintage mugs you could stumble across at a thrift store? It's an adorable vintage pattern made by Fire-King that collectors love.

The specific design we're referring to features Snoopy in his World War I Flying Ace regalia atop his dog house on one side, and on the other, the classic: "Cures you, Red Baron!" printed in bold red or orange letters. The Snoopy mugs are made from Fire-King's iconic opaque, heat resistant glass, though their milky hue make them distinctive from another type of valuable Fire-King glassware, jadeite. Part of a line of 23 different Peanuts designs, the Snoopy mugs first appeared in 1965 and ran well into the 1970s.

There were two main color variations on the mug: red and black, and orange and brown. The latter is the rarer variant, and therefore will demand a higher price. Typically, the mugs range in price from $25 to $150, though some can hover closer to $200and sell for as much as $400 if they are in exceptionally good condition. So, if you happen to come across one in a thrift store, you should check for the following clues to make sure you've got the real deal.

Their clever designs, iconic colors, and overall durability are one of the reasons you never want to pass up any vintage Fire-King kitchen items at an estate sale or thrift store. As with hunting down any antiques, however, there are distinct authentication features to look for when you come across a Snoopy Red Baron mug. We've already gone over the design and the printed wording, but another authenticating cue would be the D-shaped handle that Fire-King used on many of its mugs. 

What is going to help you authenticate a Snoopy mug is to check the bottom for proper embossing. Since the Snoopy mugs were made during the 1960s and 1970s they will be stamped with the full Anchor Hocking Fire-King logo, which has an anchor symbol with a capital "H" overlap, and the Fire-King lettering embossed beneath. Any mugs that say things like Fire-King "Made in Japan" are newer mugs, and therefore not the authentic vintage design.

You can also check the weight of the mug, as vintage glass, including Fire-King, tends to be on the heavier side. Naturally, the better condition the mug is in, the more value it will hold. Check for any noticeable cracking, chips, or wear in the design. If you do find one that's chipped or cracking, we'd still recommend buying it. You may not use it as a mug, but who doesn't want more Snoopy in their life?