Years of production.  Some patterns were produced for several decades, while others were discontinued after a year.  Even production dates of particular pieces within a pattern can vary.  For example, a pattern may have been produced from 1930 to 1940, but the oval platter in it was only produced from 1930 to 1932.

Color.  Pieces in the same pattern but different colors can have similar or drastically different prices.  The difference between pink and green in one pattern can be 20%, while the difference between them in another can be 200%.

Condition.  Prices listed in reference books and pricing guides are for pieces in pristine condition.  Flaws such as scratching, chips, cracks, or cloudiness all decrease the value.

The easiest way to determine the value of your glass is through reference books, which can be obtained from bookstores, internet booksellers, or even your local library.  The author Gene Florence is perhaps the most noted expert, having written on the subject for over 30 years.  His books cover a wide range of glass topics including depression, elegant, collectible, kitchenware, candlesticks, and even pattern identification.

Of course, you are more than welcome to bring your glass to one of our monthly meetings where you can make use of our club’s extensive library of glass reference books.  Our members are also very knowledgeable about pattern identification and value.  You too can gain this knowledge by attending our meetings and learning more about this beautiful glassware.  Each meeting exposes you to new patterns, along with people who enjoy collecting them.

I was in high school when I started gaining interest in depression glass after remembering my grandmother using her pink dishes to serve lunch to me. When I learned about the depression glass show, I thought it would be interesting to see what other patterns and colors were out there. I expected to enter a room with assorted glassware laying flat on tables. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I entered the showroom and saw shelves and risers that allowed for stacks of glassware three feet above the table top!

As I started to look around my first depression glass show, I was amazed at the variety of shapes, patterns and colors of dishes. There were hundreds of patterns to choose from and every color in the rainbow. It honestly was too much to take in, which is why I didn’t purchase anything that day, but it was definitely an experience to remember.

I encourage anyone who has never been to a depression glass show to attend one! Even if you don’t plan on starting a collection, the way the room glows with  color is worth the minimal price of admission. And for collectors, a glass show offers an excellent opportunity to expand a collection, or start a new one. No antique mall in America can provide the selection you’ll find at a show. And unlike eBay, you can inspect the glass firsthand to make SURE there is no damage, and you don’t have to worry about anything breaking in-transit.

Ten years later, I still look forward to the Michigan Depression Glass Society’s annual show and sale with giddy anticipation. As soon as the cooler temperatures of fall come around, I know it is only a matter of months before I can see the sparkle from thousands of pieces that glisten in the naturally lit ballroom. I hope you’ll join me this year and experience first hand the magic of a depression glass show!

~ Jonathan Fuhrman