A Toast to "Boopie": A History of the Beloved Glassware
- Hilary Morris
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
We all have our favorite decor genres and one of mine is glassware. I’m not sure what it is about glassware I find so magical. Maybe it’s the curves and the cuts, the way it refracts light, or the way it holds no mysteries with its clear nature.
Form doesn’t often detract from function with glassware - the object does what you think it does, whether it holds punch, milk or a candle, but at the same time, its reuses are endless. A vintage footed glass pudding bowl can be modernized, Jello pudding swapped for chia pudding.
One of the most fun styles of 50s vintage glassware is called Boopie glassware. You’ve likely seen it without realizing what it was called, or if you were born of a certain generation, you’ve used it!
Boopie glassware, with its distinctive row of clear marble-like beads encircling the base, holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors, not just those who love glass like me. It has a vintage charm with a design that still feels modern.
A Mid-Century Modern Marvel
Produced by the Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation from the 1950s to the 1970s, Boopie was a line of glassware that mimicked another more expensive, extremely popular line from Imperial Glass Company called Candlewick. Candlewick launched in the mid 1930s and by the time Imperial Glass closed its doors in the 1980s, they’d produced every item for Candlewick you can imagine, from candle holders to large platters to punchbowls.
By the 1950s, Anchor Hocking must have seen an opportunity to create a similar, yet different pattern originally called The Berwick, later Boopie. With the mid-century modern era’s clean lines, simplicity and affordability of mass produced items, Boopie glassware did really well. While Candlewick was handmade and more expensive, Boopie provided the same element of fun and style at prices average households could afford.
The Boopie Comeback
Boopie glassware was a collection of functional pieces – everyday glasses for water, juice and cocktails. As the popularity of mid-century modern (MCM) re-surged in the 2010s, the Boopie glasses saw a comeback in cabinets and bar carts.
Making it even more popular for the last 10+ years has been the price. You can find Boopie glasses at garage sales, estate sales and thrift stores for less than a dollar a glass!
Boopie vs Candlewick Glassware
Candlewick glassware is handmade and crystal, making it much more valuable than Boopie. They’re frequently confused, even on websites that purport to show you the difference. You can tell them apart by not only the type of glassware it is, but by the distance of the glass marbles.
The Candlewick design features clear glass bubbles around the edges and bases of dishes, but the bubbles are spaced apart from each other. With the Boopie design, the bubbles are squished together, with each bubble touching other bubbles. There’s an excellent article on Chadwick from 2021 in Phoenix’s Arcadian news by appraisal & estate consultant Tom Helms you can read here to learn more.
Price Points
Everyday Use: Individual "Boopie" glasses in good condition can often be found at thrift stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces for $.50 - $1 each.
Collector's Market: Complete sets, particularly in pristine condition, can fetch higher prices, especially for rare color variations or unique pieces. Anchor Hocking produced their Berwick Boopies in several colors, including amber, ruby, and clear with a gold rim. Of these, it's unclear which is the more rare. A more rare color may be priced at $5/glass.
Where to Buy Online: eBay, Etsy, Ruby Lane and Replacements are options if you don't want to venture to your local thrift store or find an estate sale. Keep in mind, the prices you'll find there aren't necessarily market value - they are the price the seller has ambitiously decided to charge, which may be as high as $20/glass.
Bubbles & The Bottom Line
Boopie glassware is fun and affordable - what is cuter than little glass bubbles ringing the bottom of your juice glass? It's also rare enough to be a unique addition to your every day glassware, unless your guests are estate sale goers & thrift shoppers. Good luck with your collecting and see you at our next estate sale!
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