How to Identify the Fire-King Sheaves of Wheat Design
Jadeite dishes with the Sheaves of Wheat pattern are easy to identify. They are decorated with a wheat design around the border of the plates, and the outside of the bowl and cup.
The dinner plate and saucer have notches around the edge of the plate similar to the Alice pattern. These will be noticeable indents if you run your fingers along the edge of the plate.
Collector’s Notes on Sheaves of Wheat Fire-King Jadeite Dishes
“Sheaves of Wheat” is not the name given by Anchor Hocking Fire-King. It’s a nickname given by collectors for this hard to find line of dinnerware.
All official references to this pattern from Fire-King Anchor Hocking refer to this pattern as “Wheat” – not to be confused with another Fire-King “Wheat” pattern that was produced later on.
Some collectors also refer to this pattern as “Sheathes of Wheat”, “Sheath of Wheat” and “Sheaf of Wheat”. So if you are looking to buy this pattern on eBay or Etsy, make sure to search for all variations of the name to better your chances of finding these dishes for sale.
In the 1940s, an oats company by the name of “National 3-Minute Oats” included crystal Sheaves of Wheat dishes as a freebie with the purchase of a bag of oats.
I found it interesting that this company also ran an ad campaign for the chance to win a “16mm sound motion picture projector”. This home theater setup allowed viewers to watch movies in their own home – with sound! The prize was valued at $500 – which is worth over $6,400 today. What a sign of the times!
At the time of researching this article, there were only 15 completed listings of this pattern in the past 3 months on eBay, and only 3 dishes currently for sale.
With such a short production time of only 2 years, Sheaves of Wheat Jadeite dishes are difficult to come by and highly desired by collectors.
When they do come up for sale, the saucers and dinner plates are the most common, followed by the berry/dessert bowl.
The elusive Jadeite snack tray is the most desired, yet hardest piece to find in this set. If you are a serious collector, keep this dish on your radar to buy if you ever get the chance.
Years Made
Sheaves of Wheat Jadeite dishes were only produced from either 1957 to 1958, or 1957 to 1959.
Due to the limited production run and design, these dishes are highly desired but are difficult to find.
Learn More: The History of Jadeite Dishes
Learn More: The History of Fire-King Anchor Hocking (Part 1 of 4)
Other Colors
Along with Jadeite, “Sheaves of Wheat” was also made in Crystal.
Tumblers were made in Crystal, but not Jadeite.
Fire-King Markings for Sheaves of Wheat Jadeite Dishes
Original Sheaves of Wheat Jadeite dishes are unmarked and do not feature the Anchor Hocking Fire-King trademark as seen on other patterns.
Learn More: How to Identify Fire-King Jadeite Dish Markings
Fire-King Sheaves of Wheat Dishes Made in Jadeite
Only five “Sheaves of Wheat” dishes were made in Jadeite. Look to collect these pieces:
- 6 ½ oz cup
- 6” saucer
- 9” plate
- 4 ½” berry or dessert bowl. (This is also referred to as a “nappy bowl”: a shallow open serving dish with no rim and a flat bottom.)
- 7” x 10” snack tray
Research Sources
Learn more about Jadeite dishes with these collector guides, available on Amazon:
Florence, Gene. Anchor Hocking’s Fire-King & More: Identification & Value Guide including Early American Prescut and Wexford. Collector Books, 1998.
Ross, David, and Joe Keller. Jadite: An Identification & Price Guide. Schiffer Publishing, Limited, 2014.
Wilkins, Jerry, et al. A Collector’s Guide to Anchor Hocking’s “Fire-King” Glassware.
K & W Collectibles, 1991 Mauzy, Barbara E. Mauzy’s Depression Glass: A Photographic Reference with Prices. Edited by Barbara E. Mauzy and Jim Mauzy, Schiffer Publishing, Limited, 1999
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