Depression Glass In Color

When people think of depression glass, they often think in terms of vintage pink or green glassware.  According to Wikipedia, the definition of depression glass is “machine-pressed, tinted glassware that was mass-produced in the US from the late 1920s to the 1940s and often used as giveaways to persuade customers to purchase goods.” But did you know that depression glass was also made in crystal, (what is referred to as clear, uncolored glass) opaque white, known as Monax, opaque cream, known as Cremax, and even black? As it was mass produced and machine pressed,  air bubbles, heavy mold seams  and flaws can be clearly visible. It was often used as a marketing item for other products, and pieces could be collected by purchasing the featured item and collecting the glassware found inside of the box. During this time frame, there were also several companies such as Fostoria, Paden City, New Martinsville, Heisey, Tiffin and Cambridge, among others, producing more expensive glassware. These pieces often had etched or cut patterns, ground bases, polished mold seams and even silver or gold decoration. This glassware is referred to as Elegant glass. As a general rule of thumb to tell the difference, Elegant glass patterns are generally impressed, such as etchings or cuttings, and Depression glass patterns are raised or embossed.

Collecting Depression glass can be both rewarding and frustrating. Some patterns were not made in complete tableware sets, and because some of this glassware is now approaching 100 years old, some pieces are more scarce than others. It is glass, after all, and glass tends to get broken with daily use! Some collectors have begun pairing it with pretty china sets, such as green Cameo by Hocking Glass with Royal Albert Lavender Rose. Or mixing patterns such as pink Petalware by Macbeth-Evans with black Mt. Pleasant by L.E. Smith for a striking look.  There are also those that just love all pink depression glass, or all green, whatever the pattern. Whatever you decide, it will be beautiful!

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