Depression Glass Value & Price Guide

Depression glass is a beloved category of machine-made glassware produced in the United States during the Great Depression. Known for its vibrant colors like pink, green, and amber, these pieces were originally inexpensive premiums used to brighten homes during economic hardship.

Price Range: $25 - $40 based on recent sales

History of Depression Glass

Emerging in the late 1920s, Depression glass was manufactured by companies such as Hazel-Atlas, Hocking Glass, and Federal Glass. Unlike hand-cut crystal, this glass was mass-produced using automated machinery, allowing it to be sold for pennies or given away for free in cereal boxes and at movie theaters. This accessibility made it a staple in American households during the 1930s, providing a sense of luxury and color to families struggling through the era's financial crisis. Production largely ceased by the early 1940s as manufacturing shifted toward the war effort, turning these everyday household items into cherished historical artifacts.

Value Factors for Depression Glass

The typical price range for Depression Glass is $25 - $40 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Rarity of color, with pink and green being common, while cobalt blue and red often command higher prices.
• The specific pattern molded into the glass, as intricate or short-lived designs are more sought after by collectors.
• Completeness of sets, such as matching pitchers with tumblers or full dinnerware services.
• Condition of the glass, specifically the absence of 'cloudiness' or etching caused by modern dishwashers.

Tips for Buying Depression Glass

• Check for 'straw marks' or small air bubbles, which are common manufacturing defects in authentic period pieces rather than signs of damage.
• Use a UV blacklight to identify 'Uranium glass' variants, which contain small amounts of uranium and glow bright green.
• Learn to recognize popular patterns like 'Royal Lace' or 'Cherry Blossom' to distinguish authentic Depression-era items from modern reproductions.
• Examine the edges and base for 'flea bites' or small chips, as these minor imperfections can significantly impact the resale value of delicate glassware.

Items in This Collection

• Pink Depression Glass Candy Dish
• Pink Depression Glass Oil Lamp
• Pink Depression Glass Serving Dish
• Green Depression Glassware
• Green Depression Glass Plate
• Pink Depression Glass Sherbet Dish
• Green Depression Glass Compote
• Green Depression Glass Bowl
• Pink Depression Glass Console Bowl
• Uranium Glass Platter
• Pink Depression Glass Vase
• Pink Depression Glass Sherbet
• Pink Depression Glass Pitcher
• Pink Depression Glass Bowls
• Green Depression Glass Tumbler
• Pink Depression Glass Plate
• Green Depression Glass Refrigerator Dish
• Pink Depression Glass Bowl
• Green Depression Glass Divided Dish
• Pink Depression Glass Goblets