Hobbies And Interests
Colors
Depression glass was made most commonly in yellow, amber, pink, blue, green and crystal. Some colors that were not as popular were lavender, ruby and orange, so fewer pieces were made in these colors, making them rarer as collectibles. Yellow and amber were made in greater quantities, and are not as sought-after as pink, blue, green and rarer colors.
Patterns
There were actually two types of Depression glass: "Depression," which refers to molded glass that was packaged and sold right out of the mold and "elegant," which refers to glass that was hand-finished after being machine-pressed. Depression and elegant glass were made in many different patterns, but the two types have distinctive patterns. Depression glass was made in 40 different patterns, with whimsical names like Bubble, Sunshine and Jubilee, as well as more regal names like Queen Mary and Windsor. Elegant glass was made in fewer, less-whimsical patterns that were made to look like crystal, with names like Fostoria, Colony and Cambridge Chantilly.
Values
The value of Depression glass depends on several factors: color, pattern, condition of item, complete or incomplete sets and the area of the country collectors are in. The value and price of Depression glass pieces increases dramatically when they are matched sets. For example, a set of the same color and pattern candlesticks may be worth hundreds of dollars together but less than $50 individually. Lavender, ruby, black and orange were produced in small or limited quantities and so they command more money. Pink, blue and green depression glass items are not as common as yellow and amber and have an intermediate value level. The area of the country where collectors are located can make a difference in prices and value. The activities of collectors' clubs can increase the demand for certain colors and patterns, raising the prices. Values and prices published in books are for glass items in mint condition. Any damage or wear will decrease the value.
Manufacturers
Depression glass was cheap and plentiful, making it a popular collector's item. Green depression glass sets are not the most difficult to find, but are not as numerous as yellow and amber glass. Twenty-one glass manufacturers made various patterns of Depression glass, each manufacturer producing its own patterns. Federal Glass Company, Hazel-Atlas Glass Company, Hocking Glass Company, Indiana Glass Company and Jeanette Glass Company produced the largest number of different patterns.
Clubs and Associations
There are glass-collecting clubs and associations across the country. They have various goals and activities such as education, hosting shows, research, selling and trading. They specialize in specific types of collectible glass including Depression glass. One large, active national association is the National Depression Glass Association.