Hobbies And Interests
Guidebooks
Several glass historians and experts have written histories and guides to Depression glass that help collectors understand its value. Roughly 100 glass companies churned out mass-produced, molded pieces in amber, yellow, white, pink, green, blue and violet. Glass makers used hundreds of different patterns on their plates, cups, bowls and vases. A good Depression glass history will explain which types of pieces, colors and patterns were most common and which were made on a more limited basis. As with other goods, the general rule in antiques is the rarer an item, the higher its value. Glass guides also offer the expert opinions of the authors on the value of types of Depression glass, and while that's a good place to start, it is not the only thing to consider in determining a fair price for a piece.
Supply and Demand
The value of Depression glass depends on the market or the supply and demand for types of glass and pieces among collectors. And the Depression glass market is, to some degree, a moving target. Glass experts are still uncovering new patterns that may spark interest and trigger a price jump for items. A new book or a popular magazine article praising pink cups with the popular American Sweetheart pattern might increase the going rate for those pieces. Location also plays into price. In the midwest, the home to most American glass-making companies, there are many Depression glass clubs and societies that make up a strong and active market, usually with higher prices.
Other Trends
According to writer Jon Stein, timing has an influence on the value of collectibles like Depression glass. Stein suggests that generally, glass becomes a popular item 50 years after production stops because potential collectors have an interest in items that were commonly used during their childhoods. Stein also says that when an item catches the eye of a worldwide market, prices will jump. Such was the case when collectors abroad took an interest in Depression glass made by the Hazel Atlas Glass company. Stein's advice to those who collect Depression glass for profit is to stay informed and watch the market trends, some of which will be brief.
Condition
As with all antiques, the condition of a piece affects its value. Depression glass was never meant to be a high-quality item, and many pieces have bubbles and seams. But those flaws are not the problem. Missing handles, chips, excessive scratches and other imperfections that result from mishandling or heavy use will compromise the value of a piece.
Reproductions
Reproductions have also injected a fair amount of confusion on value and price into the Depression glass market. According to glass expert Ellen Schroy, cheap imitations have driven down the price of some types of Depression glass because collectors are no longer willing to invest in lines that have so many reproductions and fakes on the market. The possibility of paying a lot of money for a fake piece also scares off the casual buyer. Experts unanimously agree that the best way to avoid reproductions and protect the value of Depression glass is to do enough reading and research to recognize the real thing.