If you go into an antique shop you are sure to find plenty of Depression Glass. It is one of the most popular items and also one of the collectibles on the decline.
For many years, Depression Glass was the big thing to collect. Today, collectors are becoming more specific as to what they collect. Any old color glass will not do anymore.
Depression Glass was made from the 1920s-40s as a cheap alternative to fine bone china. During the depression era many were given away at grocery stores as gifts or bonuses. They were cheap and easily made products. Products include everything from plates to pitchers, to salt and pepper shakers to butter dishes and sugar and creamers.
There were hundreds of makers including Hazel, Hocking, Jeannette, Cambridge, Federal and more.
Prices vary based on condition, pattern and rarity. I always recommend buying a good guidebook before beginning a serious collection. You will find an abundant number of them available on depression glass.
The first rule is to avoid anything broken, missing a piece or badly scratched. There are so many pieces around that any damage is no good. If you find a damaged piece, throw it in the trash. It is useless.
Serious collectors need to learn the patterns and the makers. This only comes through practice and research. Also, learn about colors. Blue and vibrant greens can be very popular, while pink and yellow are not as sought after.
So where do prices range?
Bubble glass is very popular as it has what else, but a bubble design. It is common and pieces depending on what they are range from $4 to $20. Nothing too special will cause a big price increase.
Hobnail is also very popular. Prices are a big higher with bowls valued around $40 and pitchers close to $70.
Princess design made by Hocking is even a bit more valuable. Saucers can go as high as $60 and pitchers over $500.
A Florentine design made by Hazel Atlas ranges for $5 for a cup and $150 for a butter dish. As you can see in most of these design prices vary. Common items such as plates and cups and saucers don’t sell for as much money as something harder to keep safe.
Pieces like pitchers, creamers, trays and vases are always worth a little bit more than an everyday piece.
The Mayfair design is also very popular with prices ranging at $300 for a light blue pitcher to $1,000 for a small delicate green cordial.
Royal Lace has a very common circle design and comes in blue, green and pink. Seek out odd items like a nut bowl worth $1,000 in blue or $300 in green or pink. Right now, blue is the favored color in many designs.
There is so much to learn due to the number of makers and patterns that it may take you time to really understand what you need to know if you are collecting depression glass.
But, it is fun and easy to find often at the right price. Just keep your eyes open and learn all you can.