Short Lesson on
Depression Glass
Inexpensive glassware made starting the 1920's and
1930's is more commonly known as "Depression
Glass" because of the era in which it was made. It
is the old pink & green & yellow & blue
colored, and of course, clear glassware that Grandma used
to have that was commonly just thrown away! It was given
away as a premium in Movie Houses and inside boxes of
Soap Powder, Flour and Oatmeal.
At the start of the depression over 100 companies in
the U.S. were producing glassware, by the end of the
depression less than half were still in business. Some of
the major companies producing this glass were: Lancaster,
McKee, Hocking Glass, Federal, Imperial, Indiana,
Jeannette, U.S. Glass, MacBeth-Evans, Hazel Atlas, Paden
City Glass, New Martinsville and Westmoreland to name a
few.
There are many, many different patterns in depression
glass from plain to very ornate. Some patterns were made
for many years and other patterns were discontinued right
away after a very short production. Some of the more
recognized patterns are: Adam, American Sweetheart, Cameo
"Dancing Girl", Cherry Blossom, Iris, Poppy,
Mayfair, Miss America, Princess, Royal Lace and Sharon
"Cabbage Rose".
Many pieces have lines, flaws, pop marks, uneven
thicknesses of the glass, and even small globs of extra
glass espessially near mold lines and on edges which does
not devalue Depression Glass in any way. Cheaply made
glass is not expected to be perfect! Buyers should beware
of cracks, chips and damaged pieces which should only be
purchased as temporary fill-in pieces to a set and at a
reduced cost of what a "perfect" piece would be
selling for. But, remember, sometimes the
"perfect" piece will never be found!
Harder to find pieces include the Tumblers (Drinking
Glasses) , Pitchers, Salt and Pepper Shakers and Butter
Dishes as they were used the most and easily broken.
These will command a higher cost and will probably be the
last pieces you add to your collection. In most cases,
sherbet dishes and saucers are the easiest to find.
Have fun collecting!
|
