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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