What is Depression Glassware?
introduced to the public: colored glassware. Until this time, the majority of fine glass produced, especially
in dinner service, had been in crystal, or colorless glass. This was felt to be more formal, yet simple, and
was already widely accepted by the buying public.
Glass in a multitude of colors, ranging from the deep colors of purple, black, cobalt, and red to the
pastels of pink, yellow, green, amber, and blue was created to bring a bright note into the otherwise drab
times of the depression. The glass was mass produced and appeared relatively crude next to the fine,
handmade crystal glass that was expensive to own. The colored glassware was very inexpensive, many
times being given away as a premium at movie theaters, gas stations, or stores, or simply for selling a
specified number of magazine subscriptions thus it made its way into almost every American home.
It is this glass, this colored “depression glass” as it is now called from the era of time that it was produced,
this crudely made and inexpensive glass, this “my mother had that old stuff” glass, this “depressed” glass
(mistakenly called, thought to be due to the raised and depressed areas forming patterns on the glass),
that started one of the largest collecting trends ever, from collectors to nostalgia hunters. Over 100,000
eager collectors now seek this prized glass, whether to complete a handed-down family set of dishes, or
to find the highly sought and elusive rare pieces.
introduced to the public: colored glassware. Until this time, the majority of fine glass produced, especially
in dinner service, had been in crystal, or colorless glass. This was felt to be more formal, yet simple, and
was already widely accepted by the buying public.
Glass in a multitude of colors, ranging from the deep colors of purple, black, cobalt, and red to the
pastels of pink, yellow, green, amber, and blue was created to bring a bright note into the otherwise drab
times of the depression. The glass was mass produced and appeared relatively crude next to the fine,
handmade crystal glass that was expensive to own. The colored glassware was very inexpensive, many
times being given away as a premium at movie theaters, gas stations, or stores, or simply for selling a
specified number of magazine subscriptions thus it made its way into almost every American home.
It is this glass, this colored “depression glass” as it is now called from the era of time that it was produced,
this crudely made and inexpensive glass, this “my mother had that old stuff” glass, this “depressed” glass
(mistakenly called, thought to be due to the raised and depressed areas forming patterns on the glass),
that started one of the largest collecting trends ever, from collectors to nostalgia hunters. Over 100,000
eager collectors now seek this prized glass, whether to complete a handed-down family set of dishes, or
to find the highly sought and elusive rare pieces.
What is Depression-Era Glassware?
In the unfolding of our nation’s history, the glass manufacturing companies, usually called “glass
houses”, have played a large part in the scheme of everyday living.
Many of these glass houses began back in the late 1800’s or around the turn of the century, and
although they were numerous and high-producing then, only a few are left in existence today. These
glass houses produced almost all of the necessary holders for food, plants, and lighting in this pre-
plastic era. During the bleak years of our country’s Depression, many glass houses mass-produced
inexpensive, brightly colored sets of dishes for everyday use. These are known today by collectors as
“Depression Glass”.
However, also very important in the history of glass were many fine “hand-work” glass houses. The A.H.
Heisey Company of Newark, Ohio; the Fostoria Glass Company of Moundsville, West Virginia; the
Cambridge Glass Company of Cambridge, Ohio; The Imperial Glass Company of Bellaire, Ohio; and the
New Martinsville Glass Company of New Martinsville, West Virginia were among the leaders of fine,
handmade glass for the home.
The glass products of these companies were made individually; handcrafted by skilled glassmen. Items
available were many from fine, delicate stemware and matching dinner sets to fancy accessories for the
elegant table such as graceful candlestick and console bowl sets, ornate vases, and handsome ashtrays
and smoking accessories. After the repeal of Prohibition, many decanters, ice buckets, and cocktail
shakers were very popular.
Although the majority of these hand produced glass items were colorless, colored pieces were
introduced in the late 1920’s. But, whether a stemmed goblet or a candlestick, a crystal bowl or colored
from the Heisey Company of the Cambridge Company, these glass items all had one thing in common:
fine quality.
Made in the era before, during, and slightly after the Depression, this fine glassware is today known by
collectors as “Depression-Era” Glass.
In the unfolding of our nation’s history, the glass manufacturing companies, usually called “glass
houses”, have played a large part in the scheme of everyday living.
Many of these glass houses began back in the late 1800’s or around the turn of the century, and
although they were numerous and high-producing then, only a few are left in existence today. These
glass houses produced almost all of the necessary holders for food, plants, and lighting in this pre-
plastic era. During the bleak years of our country’s Depression, many glass houses mass-produced
inexpensive, brightly colored sets of dishes for everyday use. These are known today by collectors as
“Depression Glass”.
However, also very important in the history of glass were many fine “hand-work” glass houses. The A.H.
Heisey Company of Newark, Ohio; the Fostoria Glass Company of Moundsville, West Virginia; the
Cambridge Glass Company of Cambridge, Ohio; The Imperial Glass Company of Bellaire, Ohio; and the
New Martinsville Glass Company of New Martinsville, West Virginia were among the leaders of fine,
handmade glass for the home.
The glass products of these companies were made individually; handcrafted by skilled glassmen. Items
available were many from fine, delicate stemware and matching dinner sets to fancy accessories for the
elegant table such as graceful candlestick and console bowl sets, ornate vases, and handsome ashtrays
and smoking accessories. After the repeal of Prohibition, many decanters, ice buckets, and cocktail
shakers were very popular.
Although the majority of these hand produced glass items were colorless, colored pieces were
introduced in the late 1920’s. But, whether a stemmed goblet or a candlestick, a crystal bowl or colored
from the Heisey Company of the Cambridge Company, these glass items all had one thing in common:
fine quality.
Made in the era before, during, and slightly after the Depression, this fine glassware is today known by
collectors as “Depression-Era” Glass.
What is Depression Glass worth?
There is no definite answer to this question. Values vary between patterns, and even the color within the pattern makes a
difference in price. There are various books available to identify and estimate the value of a piece. One of the most commonly
used books is the Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene Florence. This book is sold at most bookstores and is
available for purchase at our November show, where the author may even sign your book!
There is no definite answer to this question. Values vary between patterns, and even the color within the pattern makes a
difference in price. There are various books available to identify and estimate the value of a piece. One of the most commonly
used books is the Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene Florence. This book is sold at most bookstores and is
available for purchase at our November show, where the author may even sign your book!
What is the history of the Michigan Depression Glass Society?
The club has a 30+ year history, being founded in 1972. The first show was held at the Ypsilanti National Guard Armory on
October 20 & 21, 1973 and featured special guest Gene Florence. To help newcomers familiarize themselves with the many
patterns, club members created a display of various patterns identifying their names and makers.
The club has a 30+ year history, being founded in 1972. The first show was held at the Ypsilanti National Guard Armory on
October 20 & 21, 1973 and featured special guest Gene Florence. To help newcomers familiarize themselves with the many
patterns, club members created a display of various patterns identifying their names and makers.
Monthly meetings started at the Livonia Senior Citizens Building where various tablesettings were presented, much like today’s
meetings. A few examples of the “vintage” tablesettings include…
meetings. A few examples of the “vintage” tablesettings include…
Pink "Miss America" - April 1973
Pink Diamond - February 1973
| How was color created in depression glass? Depression glass is composed of silica (sand), soda ash, and limestone. To get the colors…. AQUA - caused by presence of iron in the above raw material RED - addition of copper, selenium, or gold PURPLE, AMETHYST, OR BURGUNDY - addition of nickel or manganese BLUE - addition of chromium or copper BROWN - add carbon or nickel GREEN/YELLOW - addition of iron YELLOW OR PINK - add selenium BLACK - add iron slag OPAQUE WHITE - add tin or zinc |
| History and F.A.Q.'s |
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