Ruby glass butter dish with metal cover by New Martinsville Glass Company

This butter dish was produced by the New Martinsville Glass Company (later known as Viking Glass) during the mid-20th century, likely between the 1940s and 1960s. The piece features their distinctive 'Moondrops' pattern characterized by the scalloped edges and rich ruby red coloration achieved through adding gold chloride to the glass mixture during production. New Martinsville's colored glassware became particularly popular during the post-war era when decorative tableware was in high demand for American households. This butter dish is sought after by Depression glass collectors and mid-century American glassware enthusiasts for its vibrant color, practical function, and representation of mid-century American manufacturing excellence.