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How to Identify Depression Glassware

Depression glass refers to cheap glassware that was mass-produced in the United States during the Depression of the 1930s. Depression glass was primarily produced by companies in the Midwest, such as Heisey, Westmoreland, U.S. Glass, and McKee and Jeannette. Depression glass was inexpensive and flawed, but is now considered to be a collector's item. There are a few ways to identify Depression glass.

Instructions

- 1
  Watch for common colors used in Depression glass, which included blue, pink, green, red, amber, yellow, white and clear. Many Depression glass items included bowls, glasses, jars, sugar bowls, creamer dishes, and plates.
- 2
  Look for common flaws or imperfections in the glass that are common to the era, including mold flaws and straw flaws. Mold flaws are imperfections in the glass due to a problem with the glass mold, such as a small dent in the glass where the glass did not fill the mold completely. Straw flaws happened when the hot glass was set on straw to cool and the straw left an impression on the glass.
- 3
  Look for common Depression glass patterns. For example, the Royal Lace pattern has an intricate pattern that resembles lace and was commonly produced in green, pink, blue and clear glass. Other common patterns can be identified on websites such as DepressionGlassAntiques.com and DepressionGlass.net.
- 4
  Find glass pieces that depict a small dancing figure. Also called "Ballerina" or "Dancing Girl," these are called Cameo pieces and were made by the Hocking Glass Company between 1930 and 1934. This was a common pattern during the time as well.
- 5
  Use reference books to identify Depression glass. These books can be purchased at your local bookstore or borrowed from your local library. Examples include "Collector's Encyclopedia of Depression Glass" and "Warman's Depression Glass: A Value and Identification Guide."

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