Less common hues included canary yellow, ultramarine, jadeite (pale green), white (milk glass), delphite (opaque pale blue), red, black, amethyst, monax (pure white), and cobalt blue. [2] X Research source Depression glass was sold in large quantities to businesses, who then gave it out for free to loyal customers or used it as prizes in oatmeal and cereal boxes. Once the economy recovered, many people threw their depression glass out or gave it away and replaced it with higher-quality glass.
Depression glassware included dining sets, but there were also depression candlesticks, ashtrays, and cigarette boxes. [4] X Research source Look around the edge of the glassware for an opalescent trim. The glass will change from colored to clear. [5] X Research source
Though depression glass can be quite pricey now, it was originally cheap to make. When the economy collapsed, glassmakers were forced to stop making high-quality crystal glass and mass-produce cheap, patterned glass instead. [7] X Research source Due to the glassware being very thin, it is also susceptible to chipping. Check the piece for chips at the edges, as this is also indicative that it is not a reproduction piece.
Vaseline glass refers to glass made primarily from 1830 through World War II, when there was a ban placed on uranium. The ban was lifted in 1959, and production recommenced. Some experts consider depression glass made with uranium to be Vaseline glass, but others say the iron oxide in depression glass makes it not actual Vaseline glass.
American Sweetheart is a very popular depression glass pattern. The glassware is soft pink or white-blue, and it is one of the most delicate patterns available. The American Sweetheart pattern is commonly found in depression glassware bowls, and the center is often decorated with intricate paisleys and curlicue designs. [10] X Research source The Cameo pattern is another popular depression glass pattern. Most Cameo glassware is green, however, there are a very limited number of pink and yellow pieces available. Many cocktail and luncheon sets of depression glassware have the Cameo pattern, which looks like strings of beads stretching around each piece. [11] X Research source
Replica pieces of depression glass don’t have this distinguishing flaw.
When the glassware was manufactured during the Depression, each piece would be dried while resting on straw. The thin lines show where the straw slightly molded the glass.
Reproduction pieces of depression glassware pieces don’t have seam lines.
Real depression glass is very thin and delicate, which means that it is prone to being scratched.
The Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene and Cathy Florence and Kovels depression glass guide are great places to start if you want to identify depression glass. [17] X Research source
