DEPRESSION GLASS

Depression Glass

From about 1930 to 1935 in the United states, mass production of machine made glass enjoyed a golden age.

 Depression Glass

At the height of the depression from which it took its name this glass is seen as an important part of American history.

Encouraged by the boom in glass buying in the 1920s, and the Pittsburgh glass exhibition of 1925, many glass factories committed themselves to machine made glass and invested in equipment moulds, and new technology.

Automatic production, instead of hand pressing liquid glass, could now be fed through pipes connected to automatic pressing moulds that could produce up to a staggering 35 items a minute.

Delicate patterns were produced using acid etched moulds, and elaborate pressed patterns and colours help to disguise the imperfections in the cheap quality glass.

Depression glass that was produced in vast quantities, countless patterns, and a variety of colours during the dark years of the depression.

 Depression Glass

It was used as premium  to promote products and services, collected with coupons, and sold at rock bottom prices in Department stores, some of which were selling a 20 piece set for under two dollars.

All types of tableware and kitchenware were produced, dinner services, luncheon sets, bridge sets, iced tea tumblers, banana split boats, candle holders, and candy dishes.

The colours brought relief from the gloom, and included varieties of yellows, blue, Amber, pink, green, cobalt, Burgundy, and amethyst.

 Depression Glass

Condition is critical as the thin, brittle glass was very vulnerable to damage, some of the quintessential Art deco designs that were less popular at the time are now particularly sought after.

Prices vary extremely from as little as one dollar right up to thousands of dollars depending on rarity, colour  and design.

I hope you have found this page on Depression Glass  to be both informative and helpful.