Depression Glass: Affordable Colored Glassware of the 1930s
Depression glass refers to the inexpensive, machine-pressed, translucent glassware mass-produced in the United States from approximately 1929 to 1939. Manufactured primarily in pink, green, amber, blue, and crystal, it was given away as premiums at gas stations, movie theaters, and in boxes of oatmeal and cereal during the Great Depression. Despite its humble origins, Depression glass has become one of the most widely collected categories of American glassware, with rare patterns and colors commanding serious prices at auction.
Major Manufacturers
The principal makers of Depression glass were concentrated in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Anchor Hocking (Lancaster, Ohio), Federal Glass Company (Columbus, Ohio), Hazel-Atlas Glass Company (Wheeling, West Virginia), Indiana Glass Company (Dunkirk, Indiana), Jeannette Glass Company (Jeannette, Pennsylvania), and MacBeth-Evans Glass Company all produced enormous quantities. Each company had signature patterns and favored certain colors over others.
Identification and Popular Patterns
Depression glass patterns number in the hundreds. The most collected include:
- Royal Lace (Hazel-Atlas, 1934-1941) -- especially in cobalt blue
- Cameo/Ballerina (Anchor Hocking, 1930-1934) -- green is most desirable
- American Sweetheart (MacBeth-Evans, 1930-1936) -- pink and monax
- Cherry Blossom (Jeannette, 1930-1939) -- pink and green
- Mayfair/Open Rose (Anchor Hocking, 1931-1937) -- pink and blue
- Miss America (Anchor Hocking, 1935-1938) -- crystal and pink
- Adam (Jeannette, 1932-1934) -- pink and green
Identification relies on pattern recognition rather than marks, as most pieces are unmarked. Reference books by Gene Florence remain the standard identification guides.
Auction Price Ranges
| Pattern | Color | Form | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Lace | Cobalt blue | Cookie jar with lid | $800 - $1,500 |
| Royal Lace | Cobalt blue | Dinner plate | $45 - $75 |
| Cameo | Green | Water pitcher | $75 - $150 |
| Cherry Blossom | Pink | Butter dish with lid | $80 - $130 |
| American Sweetheart | Pink | Salver plate, 12" | $25 - $45 |
| Mayfair | Blue | Cookie jar with lid | $300 - $500 |
| Miss America | Pink | Butter dish with lid | $500 - $800 |
| Adam | Pink | Covered casserole | $75 - $120 |
Condition Factors
Condition is critical in Depression glass valuation. Key concerns include:
- Chips and fleabites: Even tiny edge chips reduce value by 50% or more
- Mold roughness: Original mold lines are acceptable; post-production damage is not
- Straw marks: Manufacturing lines within the glass are normal and expected
- Cloudiness: Mineral deposits from dishwashers permanently damage surfaces
- Color consistency: Sun-faded pieces or those with uneven color are less desirable
- Reproductions: Cherry Blossom, Madrid, Mayfair, and Sharon patterns have been heavily reproduced since the 1970s
Collecting Tips
Focus on a single pattern and build a complete table setting before branching out. Cobalt blue, red (Royal Ruby came slightly later), and harder-to-find colors like alexandrite and tangerine always command premium prices. Common crystal pieces remain very affordable and make good entry points for new collectors. Always examine pieces under strong light to detect hidden cracks, and learn to distinguish genuine Depression-era glass from later reproductions by studying weight, color saturation, and mold characteristics. The National Depression Glass Association hosts annual shows that remain excellent venues for buying and learning.