Depression glass has a history that is firmly rooted in the Depression era that was experienced in the United States during the 1930s. Because the Depression made it difficult for almost all Americans to purchase goods due to their limited income, the manufacturers of a variety of premade items often included a piece of Depression glass. These free gifts could be found in packages of oatmeal or detergent and were intended to encourage the women of the household to purchase those goods.
This proved to be a popular incentive as people embraced the idea of receiving Depression glass free during a time when it was often a hardship to simply keep the family adequately fed and clothed. Depression glass was also offered in multi piece sets that were sold for little more than the price of a loaf of bread. Many frugal households used these matching sets of Depression glass to bring colorful and useful glass items into their homes for a price that was affordable.
Depression glass was made by number of manufacturers. Even movie theaters and gas stations included a piece of Depression glass when people made a purchase. Many manufacturers also issued a variety of patterns of Depression glass. Beginning in the late 1920s and continuing through the early 1940s, Depression glass was mass produced. Although it was not of particularly high quality, especially when compared to some other types of glass, Depression glass was embraced wholeheartedly by those embroiled in the throes of the Depression. The wide variety of patterns and colors made it likely that almost everyone would soon have a favorite.
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The colors of pale blue, amber, pink, green, and clear, also known as crystal, were used often by manufacturers when making Depression glass. Other colors that were used less often were cobalt blue, black, ultra marine, amethyst, yellow, and monax, a white that is opaque. A different type of white colored Depression glass, also known as milk glass, was popular as well. Many manufacturers made whole dinnerware sets of Depression glass.
Although manufactured in large quantities, and often including such flaws as heavy mold marks and bubbles, Depression glass became highly collectable during the 1960s. Today, there are several patterns of Depression glass that collectors covet. These include Belmont Tumbler Company’s Cameo pattern, MacBeth - Evans Glass Company’s American Sweetheart pattern, Hazel-Atlas Glass Company’s Royal Lace pattern, and the Federal Glass Company’s Mayfair and Princess patterns.
Due to the explosion in popularity of Depression glass, reproductions abound as some of the patterns, such as Madrid and Cherry Blossom, were rereleased. The condition of Depression glass can also be an obstacle when searching for the perfect piece for your collection. Check carefully to be sure that there are no chips along the edges. Search for cracks by holding the piece of Depression glass up to the light. Cloudy Depression glass is undesirable and is often the result of the piece being washed in a dishwasher. Although it can seem to be difficult at times, you can find affordable and authentic antique Depression glass to either start a collection or to add to your current collection.
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