Trash or Treasure: Depression Glass (03/07/09)
Did you know there are two types of Depression glass? Well, the 1st type of Depression glass was actually used as a “premium” to get people to buy wares back during the Depression era. So, you would find these in soap boxes or let’s say cereal boxes, or maybe banks or stores would give these out as premiums to get people to buy their products or to draw people into their stores. Now, the 2nd area of Depression glass is called “Elegant Depression glass”, that’s these pieces right over here. Now these are alittle bit slightly later let’s say maybe the 1940’s and 50’s, and that’s when the glass was made just a bit better and was marketed at a higher price and wasn’t used as a premium anymore. These 1st pieces right in here, these clear ones…this pattern is called “Pretzel”, it’s one of my favorites. You don’t see a ton of these pieces, but when you do it makes a really nice collection. These pieces don’t sell for alot of money… they sell for to , to maybe a piece, so it’s a very affordable pattern. Then over here…this one is “Blue Bubble”, and this cup & saucer would sell for say to . Then down here in the front…this one is called “Cube” or “Cubist”…right here, this nice little pink cream & sugar, and this is about a – pair. Now, when we get over into the Elegant Depression glass…right over here… this is Fostoria “American”. Notice that it is very similar to what I just showed you in the Cube pattern… it’s pretty close, but the glass in …
“Heisey Thistle”? I hate to correct you, but your two piece mayonnaise set is actually Fostoria’s Heather etching on the Century Blank, a very popular pattern of the 1950’s.
Also, what is today called “Elegant Depression Era Glass” predates both the actual Depression and depression glass. For instance, the acid etched pattern “Royal” by Fostoria was introduced in 1925, five years before the start of “depression glass” production. And Fostoria’s “American” pattern was first manufactured in 1915.