How to Collect Depression Glass

Inexpensive Depression glass, made in America between the mid-1920s and 1940s, was often given away in cereal boxes and to customers at gas stations and department stores. It is now one of the most collected types of glass.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Depression Glass Valuation Guides
• Depression Glass Candlesticks
• Depression Glass
• Depression Glass Candy Dishes
• Depression Glass Cups And Saucers
• Depression Glass Decanters
• Depression Glass Dessert Cups
• Depression Glass Pitchers
• Depression Glass Plates
• Depression Glass Platters
• Depression Glass Sugar Bowls & Creamers
• Depression Glass Tumblers

1. Learn to identify Depression glass in its many patterns and colors.

2. Be wary of reproductions on the market. You can tell the difference by examining the piece for signs of wear or aging. Most of these pieces were used as everyday dinnerware and should reflect that.

3. Look on the bottom of the glass for a mark indicating the maker of the glass.

4. Purchase a guide to Depression glass and become familiar with the maker's marks, patterns, colors and prices.

5. Subscribe to a Depression glass magazine.

6. Attend local shows, local clubs meetings or conventions to see Depression glass in person. Talk to experts to gather information.

7. Do not feel you must choose one pattern to collect. Many collectors like to collect one color or like to develop a collection with a wide variety of patterns.

8. Look for Depression glass at antique shops and occasional flea markets, in relatives' cupboards and for sale by collectors.

[1glassydealer]

on 2/15/2009 See more depression glass at http://www.1glassydealer.com/depression-glass

on 11/22/2005 After handling and collecting Depression Glass for forty years, you'll get to where you can spot reproductions--they just don't "look right". But what to do when you're just starting out? Here are a few tips:

Depression Glass was one of the first mass produced types of glassware. It was made in molds rather than blown, and you can usually see the parting lines if you look carefully. The molds wore out quickly, and the glass tended to pile up as the mold aged. This resulted in little ripples called straw marks, especially on the bottom of a piece. You won't see them in new glass. The easiest way to verify a piece is to look for little bubbles in the glass (they're what makes Depression Glass explode in the microwave). Not all Depression Glass has them, but I have yet to see a reproduction that did.

Cobalt blue used to be a real safe bet because the government restricted cobalt to medical uses, and the substitutes had a much darker hue than usual. No longer! Painted blue pieces are in every flea market from Main to Oregon with Shirley Temple bowls, glasses and pitchers, and sail boat, fish, and windmill cocktail sets being the most common. As with any Depression Glass, look for mold marks, bubbles, and little imperfections and wear marks. The paint used in the thirties and forties didn't hold up as well as today's, so if it looks brand new, it probably is. Until you're experienced, avoid those little five inch pitchers with chevrons on the side. Made in Mexico, they were as common as dirt in the eighties.

Research the web for lists of patterns being reproduced. I'd avoid those until you get experienced.

If you suddenly start seeing a lot of a particular item (like the Shirley Temple sets), beware. If an eBay search turns up more than one or two of your item, it's a BIG red flag. Actually, that's a pretty good way to check out any 'antique'. Fire place fans, telescopes, and sextants are just a few of the reproductions coming out of India.

Lastly, ASK THE DEALER! A misrepresentation is grounds for demanding your money back, and while most won't volunteer anything, they won't lie to you either.

Good luck and good hunting!

on 11/22/2005 When you decide to begin this collection, do some research first. Your best bet is to begin with a pattern that has not been reproduced. There are a lot of these. Even those of us who have collected for years (25 for me) will sometimes get stung by a fake. It may cost you a bit more, but as you get better at spotting the reproductions you will be less likely to spend your money on them. But then again some people like the reproductions just as well. Whatever you do, collect what YOU like. Have fun!