The term “Depression Glass” is loosely defined and, quite frequently, misused. In its most accurate sense, depression glass was cheaply-made American (or Canadian) glassware—mostly functional, occasionally decorative—made to be given away (or sold inexpensively) as a premium or gift-with-purchase. Food manufacturers might nestle a piece of depression glass in its box of oatmeal or cereal—an incentive to drive their brand’s sales. About twenty glass companies, mostly in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the MidWest, produced these items from the 1920’s through the 1940’s. Color was popular—pink, green, blue, purple—as well as clear. Designs were “pressed” into the glass during molding as opposed to the more costly method of hand-cutting or etching. Although the quality of the glass was substandard, depression glass has become a popular collectable nevertheless. Some Asian manufacturers are even reproducing old depression patterns today.
The set of six peach-tinted glasses, shown above, are not depression glass. Their quality is better than depression glass (they are crystal) and the laborious, hand-cut botanical pattern precludes their suitability as a give-away. But they were made during the same period as depression glass and the gentle, 1930’s peach color reflects the taste of the time. They are still beautiful and would provide a lovely tint of color on your dining table, bar top or glass cabinet. Please come into the shop to see them in-person or call for further information.
More newly-acquired vintage glassware tomorrow and in the days to come.