How to Identify Depression-Era Glass

Educate yourself about depression glass by going to antique stores or looking online for depression glass items. Become familiar with the basics of depression glass, including the colors it is available in and the patterns commonly used for it.

Purchase or borrow a book that lists and identifies different depression glass patterns. These books are will prove to be invaluable resources when it comes to identifying depression glass because they list different makers, the types of glass, the various patterns or styles used in the glass and an approximate value for the type of piece.

Evaluate the piece of depression glass you want to identify using the knowledge you have gained about depression glass as a whole. The piece will probably be brightly colored and may be one or more colors. Commonly, depression glass is pink, blue, red, yellow or green. It can also be found in white or orange. Note that depression glass is never opaque. The glass can be seen through regardless of the color. Also, the pigment in the color should not vary much throughout the piece. Additionally, most depression glass was made using molds, so flaws and seams are normal. Pieces that look too smooth or well-made may not be depression glass.

Search through your book of depression glass and try to locate an item that is the same or similar to the item you would like to identify. Remember to use key characteristics of the pattern or design to identify it.

If you can not locate the item in your book, search for similar items online to get an idea of its authenticity and origin.

Take the item to an antique appraiser. You should be able to identify most pieces of depression glass by using books and internet resources, but in the event that you are still uncertain, an experienced antique dealer or appraiser should be able to give you the information you need after examining the piece.