Collecting Depression Glass
06.27.06 By Lorraine Newberry
With its jewel-toned colors and attractively patterned vases, bowls, dishes and other tableware, Depression glass has been a top collectible for years. Even in hard times, Depression glass was a cheap way to add a pretty bit of color in the kitchen and home. In fact, Depression glass was often given as a free gift with the purchase of a more expensive item as storeowners tried to entice shoppers to buy. For buying a movie ticket one could get an emerald green dessert plate. Tucked inside a sack of flour might be a cobalt blue dinner dish. Depression glass was even given away as prizes at carnival game booths.
Depression glass was created in the years including the Great Depression, around 1920-1940 and was intended for people on a budget. It was mass-produced using low quality glass that frequently resulted in bubbles, ripples and other flaws in the final product, which are today considered part of the charm of Depression glass.
There were several glassmakers producing Depression glass and dozens of patterns were produced, so a good guide can be indispensable to collectors for identifying a particular piece. Many collectors make it a goal to complete a particular pattern. Before choosing a pattern, consult a guide to make certain the pieces are within your price range since prices vary among patterns, with rarer patterns going for higher prices. Prices can also vary widely among pieces of the same pattern that are different colors. For example, the pink sugar bowl might be worth twice as much as the same piece in amber.
Unfortunately, many of the popular Depression glass patterns have been reproduced over the years and it can be difficult to discern an original from a reproduction. Some collectors educate themselves in the differences, such as the weight and shade of the glass, while others choose to completely avoid patterns that have been reproduced.
Follow this link for photos of Depression glass from several different patterns.
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Article Tags: , Depression, glass, glassmaker, reproduced================
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