Collecting Depression Glass

There are a variety of Depression glass colors, but the best known are pink, green, blue and yellow. Although more abundant than other colors, pink Depression glass patterns are the most popular and highly valued color.

Depression glass is clear or colored translucent glassware made available either free or at low cost in the United States during the Great Depression. The Quaker Oats Company and other food companies often included a piece of glassware in food boxes as an incentive to buy their brands. Movie theaters and other businesses often gave away glass pieces.

Most depression glassware was manufactured in the mid-west United States, since the raw materials and power significantly reduced manufacturing costs in the early part of the twentieth century.

Depression glass is one of the most popular glass collectibles.

Over twenty manufacturers put more than one hundred patterns. Complete dinner sets were available in certain patterns.

Original Depression glassware is now a very popular collectible and rare piece can sell for several hundred dollars. Some manufacturers made the most popular patterns available even after World War II or released similar patterns, with reproductions being made even still.

Some of the most popular patterns collectors seek include Cameo, Mayfair, American Sweetheart, Princess and Royal Lace.

Serious collectors usually avoid reproduction pieces, but finding originals in good condition can be the toughest element of the Depression glass collector’s job. Finding reasonably priced pieces can be a challenge, but finding ones in mint condition can seem nearly impossible. Since the glassware was often regularly, the pieces will many times have scratches, chips or cracks.

You can find undamaged items by running a finger around the edges and rims to inspect for chips. Holding the piece up to a light will help find any cracks. Pieces with the least amount of scratches left by knives or other utensils will have the best future resale value.

Also avoid cloudy glassware etched by automatic dishwasher use. This is sometimes referred to as “sick” glass, and gives the piece a much lower resale value. If you buy Depression glass online, be sure the dealer is reputable and offers returns in the case that a piece does not match the condition expected.

Collecting Depression glass is a fun hobby that adds interest and color to any home decor.