Depression Glass


Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Glass

The history of Depression Glass is actually quite fascinating and it is a true testimony to its appeal that decades later it is still in high demand. These colorful glass items were made to be cheap, they had to be in order to sell them during this time period. If you are not familiar with Depression Glass, here is a brief guide to help you spot these rare treasures.

First, Depression Glass is quite heavy and although it was considered to be cheap glass, these items were made to last. They became popular following the market crash of 1929, when the United States was in the throes of the Great Depression. During this time period fortunes were lost and many families found themselves on the brink of financial ruin.

At this point, many people could not afford to purchase the niceties of life and it was a struggle just to get the things that they needed. In order to be able to continue selling products, many companies began developing cheap glassware, which would later be known as Depression Glass. These glass items were made out of the cheapest glass possible and the molds that were used were often imperfect.

However, these imperfections are now considered to be desirable. Since costs were kept extremely low during the manufacturing process, the vast majority of Depression Glass does not have a maker’s mark and generally there are no identifying marks whatsoever. The pieces are characterized by their heavy weight and the interesting but simple patterns that are featured on them.

Another characteristic of Depression Glass is that the pieces were generally made to be very colorful. You can find virtually every color in the rainbow, from blue, to yellow, red, green and even purple. These colors were vibrant and happy and reminded people of better times. In fact, many items made during this time period reflect the overall mood of the country and the grasping of small things like something colorful to keep hope alive.

Today, Depression Glass is extremely popular. It is rare to find a full set, but most collectors try to accumulate as many pieces in one color as they can. You can frequently find Depression Glass at local flea markets, at auction or online. However, it is important to make sure that you are getting authentic glass.

Remember, the piece should be slightly imperfect, there should be no insignia on the glass and the colors should be a bit faded due to age. If you find Depression Glass that is overly vibrant, very well made or carries an insignia of the manufacturer, there is a high probability that the piece may not be authentic.

Collecting Depression Glass is a great way to commemorate this troubled time in the history of the United States where little things like happy colors on glassware helped the populace through those dark days. Many pieces are actually worth a small fortune, so keep your eye out for a great deal. You never know what you may find.

Photo Credits: Marco Arment

Originally posted 2008-08-18 05:00:55. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Online Antiques Auctions

antiqueauctionAccording purely to definition, antiques are described as being any object that has a collectible value and that is more than 100 years in age. There are a number of different antiques auction websites that are designed to sell these types of antique items online. Some of these websites specialize in antiques that fall into a particular period of history, while others offer a more general selection of products. Some antiques auction houses online have more than stellar reputations online, you may not always find the most legitimate websites online and for this reason, dealing with a specialist may be a good idea if you are a new antiques buyer and if you have specific interests in mind.

There are a number of major advantages that are associated with dealing with a antiques auction website, including that the prices associated with many antiques are much lower than they would be in an ordinary antique store or an ordinary antique show. However because you are not able to actually see the item and because you are not able to physically assess it, there are also drawbacks associated with using an antiques auction website to purchase your antiques online.

So how is it possible for someone to determine authenticity when it comes to antiques auction websites? It is important that you take the steps necessary to research the online antiques auction website, finding out whether or not each one has built up a solid reputation for being honest. Experienced buyers are generally willing to share certain tips. For example, you should request a close up photograph of the base of certain objects in order to get information that the auction may not necessarily provide. When it comes to glassware and ceramics, if chips are present, then you should know that the value of the antique may be greatly reduced.

In order for you to assess whether or not an antiques auction website is asking a fair price for a specific item, it is important for you to compare the price that is being quoted to you to online auction guides and other guides for similar antiques, especially those that have only recently been auctioned off. These guides tend to be extremely helpful tools when it comes to estimating the value of an antique not only for buyers but also for sellers as well. Websites should also be more than willing to offer a full refund if you end up finding yourself with a reproduction on your hands in place of the real deal.

Some antiques auction websites only offer refunds for a specific limited period of time, but this should give enough time for you to have the item properly appraised after receiving it. As an alternative, what you can do is pay a little bit of money to have the antique item appraised professionally before you purchase it. This is generally well worth the cost, and it will give you the knowledge and the peace of mind that what you are buying is a genuine product and not just a reproduction or a knock off.

Photo Credits: miss mass

Originally posted 2009-06-29 05:56:08. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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