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How to Collect Depression Glass Bud Vases

Depression glass was produced from the mid-1920s to the 1940s. Originally, the glassware was given away as a promotion through grocery stores, movie theaters or furniture stores. It was also sold in five-and-dime establishments. Today, Depression glass is popular with collectors due to its range of colors, many patterns and wide availability. While some people like to collect a range of this glassware, others restrict themselves to some of the specialty items, such as bud vases. Collecting the glassware is a matter of doing research in order to discover what patterns to collect and how to spot a fake.

Instructions

- 1
  Study collectors' guides. Look through collectors' guidebooks to familiarize yourself with different makers and types of Depression glass. This will help you decide which colors and patterns of bud vases you wish to collect.
- 2
  Visit local antiques and collectibles stores. Find a reputable Depression glass dealer and visit the store to look at authenticated pieces of glass. Nothing will serve as a better education than seeing Depression glass in person. Look at the color, notice the weight and examine the patterns. These stores are good sources for collecting bud vases and they are also a great way to decide what colors and patterns you want to buy.
- 3
  Learn to recognize reproductions. Having looked at authentic Depression glass vases at a reputable antiques store, it will be easier to spot fakes. Familiarize yourself with the patterns in which bud vases were originally produced. Know the dimensions of those original vases. Reproductions will often be a slightly different size. Know the colors in which bud vases were produced. Some fakes are created in colors that were not originally produced.
- 4
  Check advertisements for local flea markets, estate sales and garage sales to find out if any have Depression glass vases available. Be willing to haggle. For the best prices, go on the last day of the sale when sellers are willing to make a deal.
- 5
  Connect with other collectors. Networking with other collectors is a great way to find sources for collecting Depression glass, as well as finding out which bud vases are the most collectible. Join a collectors club in order to access information on glass shows, get online newsletters and learn more about collecting conventions.
- 6
  Search online. Internet antiques stores and auction sites such as eBay are resources for collectors because of their large and rapidly changing inventory as well as their range of price points. The Web offers the ability to focus your search to a specific pattern or color of bud vase and to find more collecting possibilities than are available through your local resources.

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