The term “Depression Glass” is a common term that is used by just about everyone, but what exactly is Depression Glass?

Depression Glass was an inexpensive household glassware that became very popular starting in the 1920’s through the 1940’s.  Depression glass came in a wide variety of colors including light to medium green, pink, amber, amethyst, yellow (also called canary), cobalt blue, jadeite (an opaque green) milk glass and even red.

This type of glassware was also given away as premiums (a marketing idea to help increase sales of a product).  I’ve heard of small saucers or tumblers that were included inside a box of oatmeal and items given away at a gas station with a gasoline fill-up.

Due to its popularity as a collectible, Depression Glass has been reproduced.  I’ve seen quite a few of these reproductions come out of China, and you can tell the reproductions from the real deal.  The colors are a little off—there are green colors that almost border a forest green, and even the pink is different (it looks more orange than the old pink).  I would suggest that you familiarize yourself with what the colors each individual pattern came in.

Another thing to look at is the pattern itself.  There are going to be obvious flaws with the reproduction’s pattern that the real pattern wouldn’t have.  I’ve also seen patterns on reproductions that are missing portions of the pattern.

The wonderful thing with Depression Glass is that it can be very affordable.  There are pieces that sell for a few dollars to a few hundred dollars, so you can find some great items to either collect or even use around the house!

There are some great Depression Glass pieces in my Etsy shop here.  I also have another blog post on Depression Glass on this site, and it can be seen here.

What kinds of Depression Glass items have you run across?