Black Amethyst Glass: Depression-Era Dark Glass Collectible

Black amethyst glass is a type of glass that appears solid black under normal lighting conditions but reveals a deep purple or amethyst color when held to a strong light source. Despite its name, it contains no actual amethyst crystal. The dark color comes from adding manganese dioxide to the glass batch in high concentrations. Production began in the late nineteenth century, but black amethyst glass reached its peak popularity during the 1930s Depression era, when companies including L.E. Smith, the New Martinsville Glass Company, Hazel-Atlas, and numerous other American glass manufacturers produced it in large quantities. The glass also appeared in earlier production by companies such as Greensburg Glass and the Co-Operative Flint Glass Company.

Identification and Characteristics

The defining test for black amethyst glass is the transmitted light test. When held directly in front of a strong light source such as sunlight or a flashlight, genuine black amethyst glass shows a rich purple-to-deep-violet hue. This distinguishes it from true black glass (which transmits no visible color or shows dark olive or brown) and from very dark cobalt glass (which transmits blue).

Surface characteristics to examine include:

• Mold seams indicating pressed glass production
• Pontil marks on hand-blown earlier examples
• Surface sheen ranging from high gloss to satin finishes
• Applied silver overlay or enamel decoration on some pieces
• Ground and polished bottoms on higher-quality examples

Makers' marks are uncommon on black amethyst glass. Attribution is typically made by matching patterns to known manufacturer catalogs and comparing mold characteristics.

Types and Forms

• Vases: The most common form, produced in a wide range of sizes and shapes from bud vases to large floor vases. Art Deco-influenced geometric forms are especially sought after.
• Console sets: Bowl with matching candlesticks, popular in the 1930s for formal table settings.
• Tableware: Plates, cups, saucers, creamers, and sugar bowls in various patterns.
• Novelty items: Figural pieces including animals, bookends, and ashtrays.
• Vanity items: Perfume bottles, powder jars, and dresser sets.
• Silver overlay pieces: Black amethyst glass with applied sterling silver decoration, produced notably by companies supplying blanks to silver overlay firms.

Price Ranges

Condition Factors

Black amethyst glass is relatively durable, but its dark color can mask damage. Always inspect pieces under bright, directional light to detect chips, fleabites, and hairline cracks that the dark surface conceals. Chips to rims and bases are the most common damage. On pressed glass pieces, check all points and edges of the pattern, as these are vulnerable to chipping.

Silver overlay pieces require examination of the silver condition. Worn, thin, or poorly repaired overlay significantly reduces value. The glass beneath the overlay should be checked separately.

Stoppers on perfume bottles and lids on covered dishes must be original to the piece. Replaced or mismatched components reduce value substantially.

Collecting Tips

• Carry a small LED flashlight to shows and shops to perform the transmitted light test. This quickly separates black amethyst from other dark glass types.
• Learn to distinguish Depression-era pressed glass patterns from later reproductions. L.E. Smith reissued several forms in the 1960s and 1970s, and these later pieces are generally lighter in weight and have slightly different mold details.
• Focus on Art Deco forms, which have the strongest collector demand and crossover appeal with Deco collectors.
• Silver overlay pieces offer strong value, but verify the silver is sterling (not silver plate) by looking for hallmarks on the metal.
• Pairs and complete sets command a premium over single pieces, particularly for candlesticks and console sets.
• Examine the base carefully. Hand-finished or polished bases indicate higher-quality production compared to rough, unfinished bottoms.
• Black amethyst glass displays dramatically when backlit. Many collectors use illuminated shelving to showcase the hidden purple color.
• Reference manufacturer catalogs and pattern identification guides to attribute unmarked pieces. L.E. Smith, New Martinsville, and Hazel-Atlas catalogs have been reprinted and are available through glass collector organizations.
• Join specialty glass clubs such as the National Depression Glass Association for access to research materials, identification help, and networking with experienced collectors.