Antique Depression Glass
Antique Depression glass is glassware made during the time of the Great Depression up until the 1940s. This glass was mass produced by companies like Fenton, Federal, Hocking and Duncan. It was affordable and attractive, yet not of the best quality. However it was popular because it came in a wide variety of patterns, shapes, sizes and colors. Often, Depression glass was given away as a gift with purchase to entice customers to spend a certain dollar amount. Today this type of glass is sought after by collectors everywhere.
The most popular colors for Depression glass include pink, cobalt blue, amber, and green. As far as patterns go, there were at least 150 being produced by the glassmakers. A few highly prized patterns that may be worth something today include Mayfair, Cameo and American Sweetheart. During the Depression-era, homemakers could buy this type of glassware at their local dime store for an affordable price. As mentioned before, it was commonly given away as a gift with purchase. In addition, glass pieces were even found in boxes of laundry soap and cereal as a type of prize.
Of course, Depression glass today isn't so plentiful. Because it is collectible there are things you need to know about identifying and acquiring this type of glass. There are faux pieces that do look just like the real thing, which is why it's so important to understand what you're looking for. No collector wants to get scammed and pay good money for an imposter piece of Depression-era glass. In addition to identifying a piece as authentic, it is also important to check the quality of a piece before buying it. Look for small cracks and chips that may not be noticeable at first glance before buying any glassware.
There are lots of books that can help you identify and appraise antique Depression glass. Of course, you may want a professional antique appraiser to provide a formal evaluation of your piece. However for the purposes of shopping and getting a general idea of value there are books that can be very helpful. Take a look at titles such as the Collector's Encyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene Florence, Warmans Depression Glass: Identification and Price Guide by Ellen T. Schroy and Tracy Schmidt and the Pocket Guide to Depression Glass by Gene Florence and Kathy Florence.
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