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
• Green Depression Glassware
• Green Depression Glass Bowl
• Pink Depression Glass Sherbet
• Pink Depression Glass Bowls
• Pink Depression Glass Plates
• Green Depression Glass Divided Dish
• Green Depression Glass Cake Plate
• Depression Glass Sugar Bowl
• Pink Depression Glass Candlesticks
• Green Depression Glass Bud Vase
• Pink Depression Glass Compote
• Depression Glass Candle Holder
• Depression Glass Bowls
• Pink Depression Glass Tumbler
• Green Depression Glass Juicer
• Depression Glass Candy Dish
• Pink Depression Glass Dish
• Depression Glass Cake Plate
• Pink Depression Glass Serving Bowl