Since the glass was made in a time when America and Europe were going through the Great Depression period, the main focus was on affordability instead of quality. Depression glass was always made using bright colors. “Times were hard,” as many say to this day, and something so simple often gave a glimmer of hope to so many families who struggled to pay for “luxury items.”. If you're trying to determine the value of Depression glass you own, the first step is usually identifying the pattern and/or manufacturer. A useful identification guide to vintage collectable Uranium glass, with picture gallery and information on manufacturers and designers. Search for colored glass that is yellow, amber, blue, green, or pink. You should check the rims, however, by running your finger nail across the top. Companies began to give away pieces as promotional items, so the housewife would purchase the remainder of the set. If you are looking for information on how to identify depression glass, the following tips should be helpful: Look for imperfections (as described in detail above). Your email address will not be published. Many types of glass became popular during the Great Depression, as people looked for cheaper ways to decorate their homes without the high cost of crystal or pieces from Tiffany’s. Plate glass is usually annealed by heating it and cooling it slowly to make it less breakable. Pink depression glass patterns can be identified by using photographs and item dimensions. You can identify Depression glass by closely examining them for little bubbles. [1] X Research source Other common colors of depression glassware are cobalt, custard, amethyst, jadeite, and delphite. In 1976 Federal changed the pattern name to Recollection and began making new pieces from new molds. If you are unable to view the marks left by the mould, then the glass that you are looking at is not Depression glass at all. However those flaws are the characteristics used by collectors to identify original glass wares Depression glass can range in value from just a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Ever since the 1960, Depression glass has become highly collectible and therefore is getting scarcer in the open market. Pass into nothingness; …” John Keats 1795-1821 If the mark indicates a particular company, that is a help, but most companies made several patterns. In fact, one type of glass often mistaken for depression glass is carnival glass, and it is referred to as the “Poor Man’s Tiffany.”. You can use this site to find and identify depression era glass patterns, elegant glass patterns and 1940s, 1950s and 1960s era glass patterns. It’s very likely you have a grandparent or aunt who has held on to these once prized possessions for many years, or at least remembers having them. Cream teas who are lucky enough to adorn these pieces of history are beautiful when paired with other reminders of times past. During the time depression glass was at its peak, however, it was a reasonable and appealing alternative to crystal, porcelain, china and other fine materials. This page contains a list of all the patterns contained in "Kejaba Treasures - Depression, Elegant and 1940s, 50s, 60s glass patterns identification guide." Because of its quick and mass production techniques, however, depression glass was cheaply made. Indiana's Sandwich will be included in most Depression Glass books, Anchor Hocking's in 40's 50's 60's, Duncan's in Elegant Glass books, and poor Princess Feather usually requires a book dedicated to Westmoreland. Depression glass looks similar to vaseline glass in natural light, but it won’t glow green under UV rays. The promotional idea worked, as the remaining pieces for sale were sold for pennies on the dollar. If the piece appears perfect, lacking the imperfections described, it is possible it is a replica. Some depression glass was even white like porcelain, although most of it was colored. You will have to do a lot of research to familiarise yourself with the famous Depression glass manufacturers. Of the top one hundred and fifty depression glass patterns, pink glass was the most popular color. Photography: Choosing a Lightweight, Compact Camera, How to Use a Square Punch in Scrapbooking. Because of the nature of production, only some pieces were marked. Look for the distinctive line running through the middle of the Depression glass. The best way to identify a specific piece of depression glass is to become familiar with the most common patterns and makers. If the glass has an iridescent look, it is likely carnival glass and not depression glass. It is even common for the glass pieces to differ in their dimensions, appear crooked or even wobble. “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: Uranium glass is opaque. This glass was distributed at little or no cost. From 1923 to the 1940’s, the following companies were major producers of depression glass: Federal Glass Company, Hazel-Atlas Glass Company, Hocking Glass Company, Indiana Glass Company, Jeanette Glass Company, MacBeth-Evans Glass Company and U.S. Glass. How to Identify Depression Glass Patterns 1. Since the pieces were designed primarily as place settings, house wives often ordered the remainder of their set via mail order, if funds allowed. Depression glass is a collector’s item, but it … United States of America and Canada went through a period of Great Depression, a time characterised by economic woes for both the countries. This lead to a very prominent characteristic in … You just clipped your first slide! You can identify Depression glass by closely examining them for little bubbles. Depression glass, in summary, became an affordable way for a housewife to furnish the home without spending much, if any, money. info@depression-glass.com The uranium content of some glass pieces in the 1900’s reached as high as 25%. Cookie jars and shot glasses have been reproduced in the Mayfair pattern. Its loveliness increases; it will never Depression glass began its rise to popularity in the roaring 20’s. If you are looking for information on how to identify depression glass, the following tips should be helpful: Uranium glass refers to a type of process that was applied to both carnival glass and depression glass. It contains information about … Reproductions and modern day replicas are still produced, though they do not hold the same value. How to Identify Vintage-Cut Glass Patterns. Now, you know how to identify depression glass, so you’ll never miss a chance at having something to remind you of the “good ‘ole days.”, Quite simply, we love beautiful things. It has become an essential tool for any serious collect who wants considerable help in recognising authentic glassware. If Depression Glass was to be produced today, it would likely not be acceptable in the market due to a range of flaws associated with it. Overall, depression glass can be a beautiful addition to an antique collection. Some refer to uranium glass as Vaseline glass, although the two actually differ. Earlier versions of Vaseline glass were referred to canary glass. It is not safe to consume food or drinks out of these pieces, and they are best kept simply on display. If you have gotten interested in collecting Depression glass, you need to know how to identify one from another type of glass. Manhattan Similar to manhattan, anchor hocking produced ‘park avenue’ from 1987-93 and then again in the late 1990’s in crystal and light ’sapphire blue.’ light blue was never made, and shapes were changed so as to maintain the integrity of the original crystal pieces. American Brilliant Period glass production was the last great heyday of the cut-glass craze -- and it ended about a century ago. The Depression Era started in 1929 in the United States and spread around the world. Uranium glass… How to Identify Depression Glass PatternsEven in Victorian times, people enthusiastically collected glassware. We welcome you to enjoy this site and make contact with us if you feel inclined. Vaseline glass, though similar, is transparent. Other manufacturers of Depression glass include Federal Glass and Macbeth-Evans, both of which remain popular among collectors. Required fields are marked *, Prove You\'re Human * Jeannette Glass produced Doric in the 1930s in the typical depression glass colors of pink, green or delphite opaque blue. Know the signs of authentic depression glass before you make a purchase. Though depression glass was produced by dozens of glass companies, there are a few that were the most common, and one can research their patterns in order to more easily identify “mystery pieces.”. I am back! + six = 12. www.depression-glass.com, Jeanette Glass – A Comprehensive History and Patterns Listing. Identify depression glass by its dull color under UV light. Put simply, uranium is used to color Uranium glass, and other additives are used for Vaseline glass. The first and most important thing that you need to do in order to identify Depression glass is to get your hands on a Depression glass reference book. I also have some other fantastic glass pieces. This glassware was designed to be bold and stand out, so look for pieces that catch your eye. Since the glass was made in a time when America and Europe were going through the Great Depression period, the main focus was on affordability instead of quality. Our members identify glassware, provide the … I have some great thrifted Depression glass pieces that I would love to share with you. Best Regards If it a widely known and accepted fact that Depression glass has flaws and it is what define them. A housewife could stop at a gas station for a fill-up and be given another piece of a place setting. Study your depression glass encyclopedia so you know what’s original and what’s not. Manufacturers make tempered glass by reheating annealed glass to a temperature of about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, then quickly quenching the heat with air currents to bring the glass to a temperature of around 400 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. If the piece appears as part of a place setting and is one solid colour, this is another indication of depression glass. Inspect the piece of glassware for raised seams along the sides of the glassware. Eight Depression Glass Patterns to Collect If you're considering starting a collection of Depression glass, it's fun to look at patterns to see the variety.You'll see everything from Depression glass stemware to serving pieces, and there are dozens to choose from. It’s all here! to serving pieces, and … Vaseline glass is a recent term that probably dates from the 1950s. It lasted until the late 1930s and early 1940s. This illustrated guide to Depression glass will help you identify popular patterns including American, Sweetheart, Cameo, Mayfair, and others. … 1930-1939 and commonly produced in pink, green, Delphite (opaque blue Its history, its story, its journey and the uses and lifestyles of Depression-Glass today. One of the most popular patterns in carnival glass was the stag and holly pattern, with a picture of a … Some pieces of this type of glassware are marked, but the vast majority of dinnerware pieces Depression glass was cheaply produced and often has inconsistent measurements, bubbles, ripples or other flaws. These cognoscenti might describe it as “Depression Glass,” a less desirable commodity. There are a number of reference books available in the market, though some of the most popular ones include “Colored Glassware of the Depression Era” by Hazel Maria Weatherman and “The Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass” by Gene Florence. Answer: You can identify your Depression Glass by checking out marks on the bottom, but you also need to know the pattern. One can actually be exposed to radiation from some of these pieces, based on the size, content of uranium and the distance it is away from the person. Your email address will not be published. American glass cutters developed methods to cut thinner glass, but the Great Depression essentially ended the industry in the U.S. How can I identify Brilliant Glass? Most often found in pink followed by ice blue. Talking to any avid Depression glass collector and they will tell you the same thing. It was produced in colors such as pink, purple, blue, red, yellow, green or amber. There isn’t anything unethical with this although it can cause problems for collectors. For example, one could obtain a free piece of depression glass, usually a drinking glass, with each purchase of a can of Crystal Wedding Oats. Depression Glass is one of those beautiful things that intrigues us, delights us and www.depression-glass.com gives us a place to learn and share. Use your blacklight to distinguish between these glass pieces. Though they hold monetary value, many pieces of depression glass represent the hope for better times and finer things more than anything else. This method isn’t fool proof, however, as some glass is reactive due to other chemicals used for coloring. As a general rule, Uranium glass will be a bright, somewhat glowing green when exposed to a black light. You need to become familiar with the most renowned Depression glass makers, the colours they typically used and the particular designs they carved and embedded on the glass. and began making new pieces from new molds. Uranium Glass Identification Guide + Gallery Back to Glass Encyclopedia Home Uranium glass is made by adding small amounts of uranium oxide added to the glass mixture, usually the purpose is to give a strong green or yellow colour. Look for glass that has a multi-colored surface that has a shimmering rainbow effect. Original Madrid pattern depression glass was made by Federal Glass Company and produced from 1932 to 1939. This is where pieces are likely to chip, and it’s easy to mistaken a chip in the glass for a bubble. However, most companies have their markers displayed on their website so that you can identify the timeframe the piece was produced. So now you have decided to collect the beautiful glass from the Depression Era. If there is a horizontal diamond connecting the scrolls, it is Duncan's Sandwich. If you feel a dip or a snag, the piece is likely chipped and won’t be of as much value. It was produced in colors such as pink, purple, blue, red, yellow, green or amber. Notice that Though some identify depression glass as anything produced during the Great Depression, depression glass is actually a distinct type of glass produced during the time. The pieces are beautifully displayed at weddings or teas. Look for imperfections (as described in detail above). Sophia How to Identify "Fake" Reproduction Depression Glass. To identify Duncan's glass, look where the scrolls come together. Old Madrid or New Recollection? It was during this time that a number of glass makers started to manufacture Depression glass, characterised by beautiful colours and patterns, as well as flaws and imperfections. Start Since the Depression glass pieces are machine-made, they are not perfectly finished and therefore can be identified by marks left by the mould. Look closely to see that there are no mold lines. But beware! Called iridescent glass, this also known as carnival glass, which was a popular Depression-era style. The most sought-after colors of Depression glass are green, cobalt blue and pink. Its lower price point made it accessible during the Great Depression for entertaining guests, everyday use in kitchens, and You can identify the pattern … Depression glass is glassware made in the period 1929–1939, often clear or colored translucent machine-made glassware that was distributed free, or at low cost, in the United States and Canada around the time of the Great Depression. Until depression glass and carnival glass emerged, many common people did not have the opportunity to purchase fine dining settings. You can use this page as another tool to help identify your glassware. Cherry Blossom Depression Glass Cherry Blossom is one of the most popular depression glass patterns. Depression glass is very rare, as not many pieces were made and many pieces were broken over time. Though that doesn’t affect its value today, a true piece of depression glass is likely to have imperfections such as raised bubbles, marks from the mould, ripples and even bubbles. After all, during the hard economic times of the Great Depression, it was helpful to have a jump start on purchasing a new set of dinnerware. Hocking Glass Company - ca. Depression Glass The stock market crash of 1929 led to the creation of inexpensive Depression glass. Depression glass is an inexpensive glass that was manufactured in large quantities during the 1920s and early 1930s. A similar pattern is Princess Feather from Westmoreland, which has It was made in many colors and patterns by dozens of factories in the United States. It was made by the Jeannette Glass Company ca. Glass labeled elegant by collectors refers to American hand-pressed items made from about 1925 to 1955. Spiral and Swirl Patterns – Depression, Elegant and 1940s-1960s Glass with Spiral and Swirl Motifs Cambridge Diane Etch 752 Pattern Guide You are here: Home / Glass Tips and Guides / Tips to Identify Glass / How to Identify Fostoria Glass – Pattern Identification Guide EAPG Pattern Glass Thistle LG Wright 6 juice glasses Find best value and selection for your EAPG Pattern Glass Thistle LG Wright 6 … Raised seams were common during the manufacturing process for depression glass. Learn the patterns, colors and hallmarks that impact these 1930s relics. Glass Lovers Glass Database is a large project that is dedicated to keeping glass identification resources on the net free. 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