One of the most frequently asked questions of our club members is – What is depression glass worth? There is actually no easy answer to that question. Pieces range in price from a few dollars for common ones to several thousand dollars for rare items. Here are a few of the factors that determine what a piece of depression glass is worth:
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.