The term "Depression Glass" refers to the often colorful, but sometimes clear (crystal) glassware produced beginning in the late 1920s through the 1940s. As many of the patterns continued to be popular entire patterns and pieces were produced beyond the 1940s. We have included some of these more recent patterns in our books, Mauzy's Comprehensive Handbook of Depression Glass Prices, second edition and Mauzy's Depression Glass as these recent patterns also continue to be immensely popular. (examples include Holiday and Moroccan Amethyst.)
The earliest patterns of Depression Glass were produced in colors that we refer to as pink, green, cobalt blue, amber and yellow. These often were not the original color names used by the manufacturers. For instance, pink was often called Flamingo. As homemakers tired of these colors crystal was produced beginning in the late 1930s. This was looked upon as the "modern" color. Today Iris and Manhattan are the most popular crystal patterns.
Several patterns are short, meaning the variety of pieces available will not allow one to set a table and serve a meal. Other patterns are quite lengthy having multiple tumbler, plate, bowl, etc. options. When selecting a pattern it is advisable to know what the availability is in terms of what one's needs might be. It is also important to know the values of the pieces in a pattern as it could become quite frustrating to not find or be able to afford the items one needs.
A few remarks need to be made regarding Depression Glass and its very nature. As poorer quality glassware that was often given away with the purchase of a product or service, Depression Glass is full of flaws. Newbies to this wonderful DG World often struggle with some of the characteristics that many know are expected. Please read ahead as the following information should help!
A straw mark is a line on the surface of glassware that is a result of manufacture. A straw mark is not a crack and it will not get larger. A crack will have a dimensional look that will catch the light and often look silver or gray while a straw mark will show up only on the surface if the glassware is tilted just so in the right light. A straw mark should not negatively affect the value of an item.
It is normal to find bumps of extra glass, especially along mold lines. We recommend the "fingernail test." Run your fingernail along exposed edges. If your nail feels a protruding bump look carefully for extra glass. This is normal, perfectly fine, and does not diminish the value of the item in any way. If your fingernail seems to go down it is time to stop and examine the spot in question. It may still be an imperfection and not a chip.
You may find pieces that lean to one side, wobble on the counter top, and seem slightly misshapen. Two identical items may have slightly different dimensions. One pattern may have several shades of the same color. This is Depression Glass!
Here's a warning: Foggy, cloudy and lime-deposited glass cannot be cleaned! Buyer beware. Likewise buying outside on a dewy morning can cause one to inadvertently purchase "sick" glass. Dew can mask the real surface of the glassware leaving one with an unhappy surprise later in the day.
Yes, Depression Glass has been reproduced, and continues to be reproduced. We strongly urge you to carry Mauzy's Comprehensive Handbook of Depression Glass Prices as it is the most thorough book ever written covering patterns, pieces, and reproductions. The $9.95 investment can save you much more in possible mistakes!
